Why Horses?

Those who are familiar with horses recognize and understand the power of horses to influence people in incredibly powerful ways. Developing relationships, training, horsemanship instruction, and caring for horses naturally affects the people involved in a positive manner. This is due to the horse’s ability to socialize with humans in a unique way. One does not need to ride or train a horse in order to gain the benefits of relating to or with one. The horse/human social interactive aspect of this work is what makes horses the best choice for this type of work!

The benefits of building a work ethic, responsibility, assertiveness, communication, and healthy relationships have long been recognized by schools, corporations, parents, etc…. Horses naturally provide an atmosphere rich in experiential learning in order to gain and build upon these benefits. The use of horses is growing and gaining in popularity with the rise of new approaches to working with horses, including the field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.

We are often asked, "Why horses? Why not other animals?"

Horses are large and powerful, which creates a natural opportunity for some to overcome fear and develop confidence. The size and power of the horse are naturally intimidating to many people. Accomplishing a task involving a horse and overcoming those fears creates confidence and provides for wonderful metaphors when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life.

Horses are very much like humans in that they are social animals. They have defined roles within their herds, as humans do in their families and in their communities. They would rather be with their peers. They have distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods. An approach that seems to work with one horse, does not necessarily work with another. At times, they seem stubborn and defiant. They like to have fun. In other words, horses provide vast opportunities for metaphorical learning. Using metaphors, in discussion or activity, is an effective technique when working with even the most challenging problem, in individual activities or as a group activity.

Horses require work, whether in caring for them or working with them. In an era where immediate gratification and the "easy way" are the norm, horses require people to be engaged physically and emotionally in order to be successful, a valuable characteristic in all aspects of life.

Most importantly, horses have the ability to mirror exactly what human body language is telling them. Many people will complain, "The horse is stubborn; the horse doesn’t like me; the horse is just like XXX;" etc. But the lesson to be learned may be that if they change what they are doing or how they are feeling within themselves, the horses will respond differently toward them. Horses are honest, which makes them especially powerful messengers. Horses respond immediately to behaviors, therefore appropriate consequences are received by the client(s). Horses are not judgmental—they respond consistently to what is shown to them.