Why the Horse?

The Horse has partnered with human kind for over 5000 years adapting to countless roles always maintaining their authentic compassion and loyalty. Our relationship with horses is a unique example of trust in itself. Horses are a prey species who choose to oppose their very instincts to engage and invest in a relationship with us, a predator species. Horses are powerful, beautiful, awe inspiring creatures who are keenly aware of emotional energies.

The Horse is a multidimensional partner in the therapeutic process. They are an emotional mirror responding to the feeling state we show. Horses are honest and present, responding openly without pretense. Learning to communicate and build trust with these sensitive animals is an empowering and healing process. Among the countless skills we develop with our horses are; balance of mutual trust, respect, patience, compassion, self care, responsibility, assertiveness, confidence and independence.

 

The Horse’s natural walking cadence closely simulates that of ours engaging the core muscles, spine and pelvis as a normal healthy human walking gait would. Horseback riding and horsemanship helps in developing physical benefits such as; motor skills, balance, coordination, strengthen muscles, flexibility, sensory integration, reduction of abnormal movement patterns, improved respiration, circulation, digestion and appetite.

Horses offer endless benefits to children and adults with a diversity of challenges. They are an unparalleled live instrument in physical, cognitive, psychological, social, and educational development.