Why Horses?

Research studies have demonstrated numerous benefits of interacting with animals such as reduced blood pressure, reduced anxiety, increased “feel-good” hormones and decreased stress hormones. In addition, as animals have been shown to help facilitate relationship development between people, the presence of equines supports the development of a strong therapeutic relationship.

As prey animals, equines (horses and donkeys) are constantly aware of everything and everyone in their environment. For this reason, equines have a high level of attunement in perceiving human feelings, even those feelings that we ourselves may not consciously know we are experiencing. This makes equines ideal partners in counseling because equines are:

• Inherently genuine and authentic - they can't lie and don't pretend to be something they are not. They will provide you with real and immediate feedback based on your interactions together.
• Nonjudgmental - they  accept who you are as an individual person.
• Empathic - their heightened sensitivity to the environment enables them to understand your feelings on a deeper level.

We view the equines as true partners in your healing journey. As sentient beings capable of offering valuable contributions, we allow them to respond naturally and organically during each session.

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Therapeutic Outcomes

• Creates opportunities to practice new skills and transfer those skills to real life.
• Helps clients learn decision-making and personal responsibility.
• Development of empathy and patience.
• Learn to develop healthy relationships and communication skills.
• Decreases feelings of hopelessness.
• Improves confidence and self-concept.
• Gain coping skills through interaction and activities with the horses.

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