Connections with Horses
The Cirque Lodge horse program provides a unique and effective lesson for those in alcohol or drug rehab. Horses are perfectly honest and provide direct feedback. They hold no personal ill will towards anyone, but the horse must trust the individual before they will work with them. After this trust is established, the horse becomes partners with the alcoholic/addict, even protective of them. The process of gaining the trust of this horse is part of the exercise. For some in drug rehab, this is a real challenge.
Gaining the trust of the horse can take great patience. The alcoholic/addict is usually use to immediate gratification. When they have to work to gain the trust of the horse, the frustration can set in. Horses are acutely aware and can sense the individual’s intentions. Some residents try to impose their will on the horse and blame the horse for not cooperating. This is met with the horse fleeing from the situation entirely and the process starting all over again. It is only when the individual realizes the issue is with themselves and not with the horse that the exercise begins to unfold.
The equine experience completely changes when a connection is made between the drug rehab resident and the horse they are working with. To both parties, this can be a powerful connection. For some this connection only comes when they realize they are powerless and ask for help. Others find this connection when the horse is willing to submit to commands and follow without a lead rope. Many residents are struggling in individual ways when they work with the horse. It seems from this exercise the gain what they stand in need of.
