Why Horses?
The Human/Equine Bond
We utilize horses in treatment for many reasons. As human beings, our connection to the horse is ancient and intuitive. Horses are mentioned in even the earliest recorded written word, illustrating how the human/equine bond transcends cultural and economic barriers. Horses have an uncanny ability to mirror our emotional states. Through interactive, relationship forming sessions with the horse, participants can gain insight, communication skills, and empowerment, as well as countless other benefits.
Equine Relationship
In residential care, Equine therapy starts with the foundation: equine relationship. To initiate and maintain this relationship, each resident is assigned a horse and is responsible for the twice-daily feeding and grooming of that horse for the duration of their stay. This allows for a bonding experience and establishes responsibility. This relationship provides purpose, inspires character development and self esteem.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an effective therapeutic approach that has been shown to have a positive impact on individuals, families and groups. EAP is performed by a team (a licensed mental health therapist and a certified equine specialist) working with a horse or horses to provide experiential therapy for individuals or groups. During sessions, the therapist will ask clients to interact with the horse in a variety of ways – grooming, catching, leading, and involving the horse/horses in a prescribed activity. The therapist and equine specialist will observe the interaction and later discuss with the client what the horse’s reaction reveals about the client’s character. This work is done un-mounted, so a safe therapeutic environment is maintained.
These activities are according to the model established by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) who certifies horse professionals working with the clients and horses to address treatment goals. EAGALA is a non-profit organization developed to address the need for resources, education, and professionalism in the field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
EAGALA strives to educate the public that EAP is more than horsemanship and riding classes. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy programs were developed to experientially incorporate horses into activities designed to promote emotional growth and learning. Experiential learning is learning through reflection on doing. At Spirit Lake, equine assisted psychotherapy participants are engaged intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and physically, holistically touching all aspects of the addiction model. Throughout the process, participants are encouraged to ask questions, solve problems, take responsibility and discover purpose in life situations.
The results of each session with the horses are particular to the client, and form the basis for future learning opportunities. By accomplishing tasks with the horse, confidence is created, which can carry over to other aspects of life. Relationships and accountability evolve and are nurtured; self to self, self to others, and self to the world in general.
It’s About Interaction with Horses
Equine assisted psychotherapy is primarily about interacting with horses on the ground so clients can learn more about themselves. Sessions can occur alone or with a group, and are always conducted with a trained equine specialist and therapist present to facilitate the interaction. Horses are able to read and reflect human emotions and body language, an ability that makes them honest and powerful messengers. A client’s interaction with the horses offers both the therapist and the client a glimpse at the client’s true character, and provides the therapist with insight as to the real challenges faced by the client. The same as it shows a trained therapist a client’s true nature, equine assisted therapy can also help those in recovery to understand their true character and confront the obstacles to emotional growth and recovery.
Rewarding Therapy
While working with horses might be intimidating at first, most people
grow to enjoy their regular interaction with the horses. Those struggling with dependencies in their life often appreciate forming such a bond based on honesty and without judgment. Besides the comforting effect that close contact with animals brings, and the therapeutic effect of the time spent; most clients find equine assisted therapy a welcome change from conventional methods.
