|
Equestrian Therapy, also known as Equine Assisted Therapy or Animal Assisted Therapy, is an alternative to traditional therapeutic formats. This program is especially valuable to younger clients, those who have a history of not responding well to traditional "talk therapy" and those with attachment/bonding issues. It can also be "a way in" with clients who are simply oppositional and resistant.
The animals in the program serve as co-therapists, providing unconditional positive regard, setting firm boundaries, testing clients' boundaries and providing an opportunity to learn to empathize with, nurture and care for others. Animals don't lie, manipulate, or cheat. They are direct in their communication and they respond to direct and clear communication from others. As clients work with the animals, they begin to realize that lying, manipulating and cheating don't work; they begin to form bonds and to expand their horizons beyond themselves.
Through interaction with horses we can learn to know ourselves better. They show us who we are by reflecting ourselves back to us whenever we enter their space. Either calm, peaceful and confident or nervous and fearful will be their response depending on which we bring to them. This is all done in the moment, on the spot, when its happening. You'll discover that some of the basic needs and concerns of horses are the same as ours. This gives us a different perspective for dealing with these issues in our own lives. We experience horses as not so different and separate from us.
If you are able to establish a great amount of mutual trust with your horse, this will lead to more affection and a stronger bond. Being a great parent/leader is a wonderful way to show affection for your horse. Being the great Mom or Dad for your horse means you are there for his feelings of safety and trust first and foremost. What kinder and more wonderful way to show affection than attention to another’s sense of well being. What is more affectionate than kindness? What feels more wonderfully loving than kindness? In the face of the most fearful and potentially dangerous horse, kindness is the major component in its rehabilitation (just as with an abused human). Giving your best is affection also. When your horse gives you his all and the best he’s got that is his affection coming straight to you.
Overall, equestrian therapy is an effective and important therapeutic intervention when more traditional formats have not been the best match for a client, or when a novel therapeutic approach is desired. The bonds a client can form with the horse translates into better forming bonds with people. The horse provides a non-judgmental surrogate for early attachment figures, aiding in the development of more secure attachments and getting more enjoyment from relationships in our lives. |
|
