Communication and Feedback
Equine-assisted activities and therapy allow you to explore communication in a unique way. Interacting with the horse is not like interacting with a counselor, friend, or family member. Communication and feedback are non-verbal and reflect our inner feelings and intuitions.
Horses are highly aware of their surroundings and our intentions. Gaining a horse’s trust involves being honest in these intentions. Likewise, when a horse learns to trust you, you know it has accepted your inner self.
Working with horses also teaches you how to ask for help. When you are in the grasp of addiction, reaching out for support can be difficult.
Before you gain a horses’ trust, asking for help may be necessary. You may feel some frustration when the horse does not respond as you would like. You may need to ask your therapist for advice on what to do next.
In these moments, you learn to look inwards to yourself and your limitations to overcome the problem. Treatment teaches you to be vulnerable and to speak to people when you need to.
Trust and Honest Connection
Establishing trust with a horse is an incredibly rewarding experience. It is a result of hard work, effort, and honest communication. From this point, the connection between you and the horse is genuine, and it may even follow you around the stables and arena.
The experience helps us to communicate better with our friends, family members, and other loved ones. It helps us develop honest and meaningful relationships that can support us through recovery and the years ahead.
Inclusivity
Many people assume that equine therapy involves getting straight on a horse and are apprehensive if they have never done it before. However, equine therapy centers more around building a trusting relationship with the animal before you think about riding.
Our equine specialists will teach you everything you need to know before you ride, and they will be in control for as long as you need. One of the benefits of equine therapy is the gentle rhythm of slow riding is relaxing; however, we will not ask you to do anything you are not yet ready for.
A Different Kind of Treatment
Every person is different. We all learn in different ways, respond to different stimuli, and have different needs.
Some people learn best through hands-on experience. Equine therapy, along with the other enriching activities, gives these people the chance to flourish.
Equine therapy is also valuable simply because it is different. Participants describe it as a ‘break from usual treatment’ that helps you remain engaged, interested, and immersed in a treatment program. Research has also found that taking part in hobbies such as art, music, or gardening leads to better satisfaction and makes you more likely to complete your treatment.