Therapuetic Horsemanship
WHAT IS IT?
Therapeutic horsemanship is a program where students learn horsemanship skills, such as riding or caring for horses. Horsemanship skills are the official objective, however, life lessons and other therapeutic benefits may be gained through learning the skills of being with a horse. This is NOT licensed therapy.
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WHY NOT JUST TAKE LESSONS?
Therapeutic horsemanship focuses much more on the human/horse bond and what can be gained by the interaction between the two and riding lessons focus more on being in a saddle and staying safe on top of a horse. These sessions are often times done completely from the ground and are more about horse and human sharing space and connecting with each other.
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WHY DO HORSES WORK?*
Horses are large and powerful, which creates a natural opportunity for someone to overcome fear and develop confidence. The size and power of a 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.
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Horses are very much like humans in that they are social animals. They have defined roles within their herds; they would rather be with their peers they have distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods; an approach that works with one does not necessarily work with another; at times they seem stubborn and defiant they like to have fun; the list goes on . . . It is because of this that spending time with them provides a plethora of opportunities for metaphorical learning. Using metaphors is a commonly used technique when working with even the most challenging individuals or groups.
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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, horse require people to be engaged in physical and mental work to be successful.
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HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Anyone interested in trying out a session please contact Allison Girmai, our EAGALA-certified Equine Specialist and she can answer any questions you may have about this type of session. 708-567-6497 (call or text)
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*Source: "Fundamentals of the EAGALA Model: Becoming an EAGALA-Certified Professional." EAGALA training manual, 8th edition. 2015.