EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY PROGRAM

Kristin Grover, LCSW-C, Therapist
Karen McMullen, MEd., Equine Specialist

Program Description:
Equine assisted therapy is an emerging field with a strong clinical foundation in which horses are used as a tool for emotional growth and learning. The program is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional. Because of its intensity and effectiveness, it is considered a short-term or “brief” approach. This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with horses, and 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, leadership, work, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence and attitude are several examples of the tools utilized and developed.

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.

Why horses?
Those who are familiar with horses recognize and understand the power 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, life-long changes, eliminating months or years of work required in an office setting. This “brief” approach is particularly attractive to the changing climate of mental health work and the focus on decreasing the time and money spent on meeting the mental health needs of our clients.

The benefit of work ethic, responsibility, assertiveness, communication and healthy relationships has long been recognized. Horses naturally provide these benefits. The use of horses is growing and gaining popularity with the rise of new approaches in working with horses, including the field of Equine Assisted Therapy. Horses are large and powerful, which create natural opportunity for some to overcome fear and develop confidence. The size and power of the horse are naturally 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.

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. Working together in groups helps to build a team atmosphere whether it is with residential students, families or employees.

Horses require work, whether in caring for them or working with them. In an era when immediate gratification and the “easy way” are the norm, horses require people to be engaged in physical and mental work to be successful. A valuable characteristic in all aspects of life.

Most importantly, horses have the ability to mirror exactly what human body language is telling them. Many people will complain, “The horse is stubborn. The horse doesn’t like me,” etc.. But the lesson to be learned is that if they change themselves, the horses respond differently. Horses are honest, which makes them especially powerful messengers.

Reference: Equine Assisted Growth & Learning Association