The Jefferson School
2940 Point of Rocks Road
Jefferson, MD 21755 Phone: 240.315.0200

THE BARN AT THE JEFFERSON SCHOOL

Kristin Grover, LCSW-C, Therapist, EAGALA Certified
Karen McMullen, MEd., Equine Specialist, EAGALA Certified, NARHA Registered Instructor

Program Description

Equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is an emerging field with a strong clinical foundation in which horses are used in a partnership to facilitate emotional growth and learning. The program is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a equine specialist. Because of its intensity and effectiveness, it is considered a short-term approach. Participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with horses, then processing feelings, behaviors, and patterns. The focus of the program is not riding or horsemanship. It involves setting up ground activities with the horses which will require the client or group to apply certain skills. Non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem-solving, taking leadership and responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence and attitude are several examples of the skills utilized and developed. It is experiential by design, being in the moment, acting in the moment.
The program addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs. The premise of EAP is that humans already possess their own answers, and when given the opportunity, they are capable of addressing and overcoming challenges.

Why horses?

Those who are familiar with horses recognize and understand the ability of horses to influence people in incredibly powerful ways. Developing relationships, training, horsemanship instruction and caring for the horses naturally affects the people involved in a positive manner. Because the sessions with horses mimic real life issues, clients quickly recognize unhealthy patterns and enact new behaviors. The horses do not accept “talk”- clients have to make sincere changes, eliminating months or years of work required in an office setting. This “brief” approach is particularly attractive in the changing climate of mental health work, and its focus on decreasing the time and money spent on meeting the needs of our clients.
The benefit of developing a work ethic, responsibility, assertiveness, communication and healthy relationships has long been recognized as vital to mental health. Horses naturally provide an atmosphere conducive to building these skills. The use of new approaches in working with horses, including the field of Equine Assisted Therapy, is growing and gaining popularity. Horses are large and powerful, which creates a natural opportunity for some to overcome fear and develop confidence. The size and power of the horse can be intimidating to many people. Accomplishing a task involving the horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides for wonderful metaphors when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life. Additionally, clients learn that many old patterns of thinking such as using aggression or “bullying” will not work with the horse. They are required to find alternative solutions to old and undesirable behaviors, in essence finding their own answers.
Horses are very much like humans in that they are social animals. The have defined roles within their herds. They would rather be with their peers. They have distinct personalities, attitudes and moods. An approach that seems to work with one horse does not necessarily work with another. At times, they seem stubborn and defiant. They like to have fun. In other words, horses provide vast opportunities for metaphorical learning. Using metaphors, in discussion or activity, is an effective technique when working with even the most challenging individuals or groups. Group work helps to build a team atmosphere whether it is with residential students, families or employees.
Horses require a lot of work, effort and time when caring and interacting with them. In an era when immediate gratification and the “easy way” are the norm, horses require people to be engaged physically and mentally in order to be successful around them, valuable characteristics to use in all aspects of life.
Most importantly, horses have the ability to mirror and reflect what human body language tells them. Many students will complain, “This horse is stubborn, he doesn’t like me.” But the real lesson to be learned is that if students change themselves, the horses begin to respond differently. Horses are honest, which makes them especially powerful messengers.
Reference: Equine Assisted Growth & Learning Association (EAGALA) and North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA - EFMHA)

THERAPEUTIC AND RECREATIONAL RIDING PROGRAM

Additionally, students and residents at TJS can participate in horse care management and horseback riding opportunities at the barn. Currently, there are nine horses at the barn, varying in size, age and breed. The horses participate in the EAP activities, as well as, the riding lessons.
Basic horsemanship skills are taught, using English and Western tack. Students assist in the care of the horses, and all riders are expected to groom and saddle their own horse! Depending on interest, desire and ability, riders will learn to walk, trot, and canter. Some might even learn to jump over small cross rails and poles, and occasionally riders will take a trail ride around campus!

BARN WISH LIST

By nature of the beast…horses are costly to maintain. There are daily and on-going needs along with needs of a greater magnitude.

On–going Needs

Feed
Hay
Veterinarian Care
Farrier Care
New equipment: saddles, bridles, helmets
Bedding for the stalls

Even Bigger Needs

More Pasture/Fencing
Cover over the riding ring
Tractor or 4WD vehicle
Horse Emergency Fund