Horses, Rehab and Recovery
One of the unique experiential pieces to Cirque Lodge is our horse program. This is a very unique and intimate activity for those in alcohol or drug rehab. Other elements of experiential learning use a group and provide a different challenge for a number of people. The equine program pits one individual, one horse, and one of our equine staff in the activity. The resident must overcome their typical addictive mindsets, reactions and behaviors to work with the horse and gain its trust. This process can establish a strong bond and teach needed lessons for recovery.
Gaining the trust of the horse can be quite the process. The addict/alcoholic can become frustrated with the horse at first. A member of our equine staff is on scene to help them, but only to a certain extent. In this way the individual can fully gain the benefits of the exercise. Horses are keen animals and may not be willing to submit initially to the individual. The exercise takes on a whole new meaning when a bond is established and trust is formed.
The horse program is a unique opportunity. Residents are not always working with the horses. They have the chance to participate in equine therapy a small number of times while they are in treatment. This helps with the sheer magnitude of this activity. It always seems that no matter the struggles, or personal situations the alcoholic/addict is dealing with, they gain exactly what they stand in need of from the horse exercise. Some residents even use part of their free time to go out to the fence and be close to the horses. This is just one of the many unique experiences and opportunities found at the Cirque. Such opportunities can provide solutions for the struggles of alcoholism or drug addiction.
