Horses and Lessons on Recovery
Cirque Lodge uses different elements of experiential programming to teach lessons for the recovery process. Those in alcohol rehab can learn things from these unique and different areas of recovery they have never encountered before. One unique piece is working with horses. Now, in the winter months, the horses come into our indoor arena and stalls for this unique experiential work. Our residents are given opportunities during their stay to work with the horses as a part of the more traditional elements of addiction treatment.
Getting a bridle on a horse and leading them through exercises is far easier said than done. Horses are creatures of flight naturally, and this can be a great challenge to the alcoholic/addict. The individual must gain the trust of horse. This process can provide therapeutic answers to one’s life; a realization that it is okay to ask for help with things beyond one’s control. In the beginning, the alcoholic/addict can feel frustrated by the actions of the horse. When the connection is made and trust is established, this is greatly changed. The horse is no longer as flighty. They are very trusting and willing to obey commands.
It seems residents gain exactly what they need of from the equine exercise. People can be suffering in different ways. They can be looking for completely different answers. Working with the horses can help them in finding these answers. Members of our experiential team are there every step of the way to help with the exercise, and to provide these needed lessons with love, care and support. You would never think that lessons on alcohol or drug addiction could be discovered through an animal like a horse. The horses at Cirque Lodge have helped many with lessons on recovery they have been searching for.
