HealingHoovesInc.com

Why Horses?

Like humans, horses are social animals who have a distinct hierarchy of roles. They are motivated primarily by survival as are many of our clients. Because horses are bigger than humans, respect happens naturally and boundaries and limits are illuminated. Horses offer immediate feedback about behavior, give non-verbal consequences, are forgiving and offer second chances. Through the feedback provided by the horse, participants also develop an understanding of how their behavior affects others. In many cases the horse acts as a mirror or magnifying lens, helping to focus on the issues clients bring to the session. Issues that arise during sessions are used as metaphors and linked with the larger ongoing issues within the client's life to promote growth and change.

Examples
One activity we use is a simple "catch and halter” exercise. For individuals with horse experience this is typically a simple task. However, for those without horse experience, it can be quite difficult, require creative problem solving and can test a person's communication skills, boundary setting, level of trust and frustration tolerance. Another activity we use is "life's little obstacles". The client must move the horse over an obstacle created with a small jump, the catch is they cannot talk, cannot touch the horse and must contend with other members of the horses herd which act as distractions. We use dozens of activities to address communication skills, boundary setting, triggers to negative behaviors and coping strategies.