Why Horses? Good Question!!!! Horses are masters at identifying what we need at any given moment. If we are in doubt or not clear of our intentions, the horse can educate us on how we are in the present moment. Horses excel as teachers, co-therapists and guides. They will expose any incongruence you may have. You may wonder, how does this happen? What is the intrinsic nature of the horse that enables this process? The horse is a prey animal; meaning they are constantly on alert to maintain their physical nd emotional safety. Their survival depends on their instincts for self-preservation. They make decisions based on their understanding of the facts before them and what is going on in their environment. They do not ask why, they respond to what is presented before their eyes. Due to their nature, they are experts at mirroring back what humans project through their emotions and behaviors.
Who Is It For? Equine Assisted mental Health is ideal for adolescents dealing with:
abuse
low self-esteem
victimization
bullying
aggression
self-doubt
depression and life's obstacles
For adults, children and families who are willing:
to walk side by side with the horse
to move through past pain and no longer be burdened by their past
Example #1 Your child has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder. He tries so hard to succeed, but just cannot concentrate. Frustration grows, disappointment sets in and then he finally raises his hands in despair and gives up. Both you and your child feel helpless and hopeless. Equine Assisted Mental Health has offered a child with ADHD an opportunity to stay on a task for over an hour because it was important to him.
By doing this he has:
increased his ability to slow down and evaluate
identified what needs to be done
learned how to problem solve
learned he is capable of tolerating frustration
increased his self-confidence
increased his impulse control
decreased anxiety when confronted with a new and challenging situation
Example #2: You have thoughts of trauma you survived as a child or as an adult. At times, the emotions become overwhelming and you shut down. You may feel depressed, unproductive, and unwanted. Hoping someone will understand how hard it is to face each day. Equine Assisted Mental Health is ideal for you. The horse does not require anything from you. Only to be yourself and allow yourself to try something different to help ease your pain. Some of our clients have appeared anxious, nervous and depressed upon arrival.
After a brief period of time with the horse we have seen:
decrease in startle response
increase in affect
increase in physical mobility
decrease in fatigue
desire to move closer and stay longer ~ move out of their comfort zone
embrace what is unfamiliar
increase a sense of control and accomplishment
Make a choice today to make a change. For a free initial consultation, to obtain more information and to schedule an appointment please contact; Judith Schneider, LISW at Healing Through Horses, (505) 685-0596 or send an email to: Judy@healingthroughhorses.net
"Horses change lives. They give our young people confidence and self-esteem. They provide peace and tranquility to troubled souls. They give us hope!" ~ Toni Robinson ~
Healing Through Horses 21074A Highway #84 Abiquiu, New Mexico 87510 (505) 685-0596 Equine Assisted Mental Health Services