Learning Lessons on Recovery from Horses
The Cirque Lodge experiential program is a profoundly effective aspect to our alcohol and drug rehab experience. These unique and challenging activities help too teach important lessons on recovery and problem solving skills, which require the alcoholic/addict to think outside the mindset of addiction. Part of the experiential program involves working with horses. The horse stables are at the Studio facility, and indoor and outdoor venues allow for equine therapy year round.
In working with the horses, Cirque Lodge residents gain exactly what they need from the experience. Initially, when the resident and horse are presented to each other it poses a challenge. The resident must gain the trust of the horse to participate in the exercises. This is a challenge and a lesson in itself. Horses are creatures of flight, and the resident in alcohol and drug rehab must learn to gain trust. The individual must put aside imposing his/her will and use more direct communications with the horse. Another part of this process is asking for help. Members of our equine team are available to help the resident. This provides a lesson in seeking help with things that are beyond the addict’s/alcoholic’s control.
Through this exercise, the resident makes a connection with another living creature. The horse that was initially unresponsive, and fleeing away from the resident, is now walking side-by-side with the resident and willing to submit to any commands. Overcoming alcohol and drug addiction is a process. Making this connection with something like a horse can provide a vital spiritual experience. Such experiences can be influencing factors to long term sobriety.