Tuesday 31 October 2017

By Douglas Olson


The term 'equine therapy retreat' does not refer to a hospital or rehab center for horses. Equine therapy retreats are places of great serenity where people go to connect with nature and a horse. In doing so, they are restored and refreshed - and in the process of becoming so learn a lot about themselves.

There are over 250 centers with certification for this kind of therapy in North America. The program incorporates great natural beauty and a farm or ranch experience with sessions when people work with horses in controlled circumstances. Both individuals and groups can schedule retreats. Working with horses helps people resolve personal issues, face hidden fears, and learn to work to their strengths.

In the 1960's in America, people began therapeutic riding programs for children and adults with disabilities. There are many physical benefits from riding a horse. Participants see improvement in balance, core strength, posture, and motor and sensory skills. Autistic children who have trouble bonding with even their parents often communicate with a pony. Kids who live in a wheelchair can see the world from the perspective of someone who can stand. The action of a horse moves the spine of its rider in a manner similar to natural walking.

The mental and emotional benefits of being around horses often exceeded the physical. Autistic children opened up to their ponies. Disabled adults could once more achieve a degree of independence. As the adage said, the outside of a horse proved to be good for the inside of a man.

An abused child who is suspicious of every other human finds that he can trust, talk to, and love a horse. A woman who feels powerless in her life learns to influence a huge animal in a positive way. A man who hides his true nature behind a social mask discovers that a horse reacts to his real feelings. People of all ages discover that horses are forgiving.

Anxiety, depression, self-doubt, inability to relate, and even despair yield to an atmosphere of peace and the presence of horses. Horses are prey animals, so they have to be alert and sensitive to their surroundings. However, they choose to trust people, and this can have a profound effect on someone who has closed the door to human relationships and lost hope in the future.

Business executives find relief from the challenges and stress of over-work. People who feel inadequate grow as they learn to work with a massive but willing animal partner. Some centers use meditation techniques, but most rely simply on working with horses to help people learn to know themselves. The goal is to refresh, release, and renew, and person after person finds that it works.

This form of therapy is called 'hippotherapy'. It's getting rave reviews from people who have experienced it and found it immensely rewarding. Even those who go to watch may find themselves getting involved and renewed. It's all about surrendering personal goals and agendas and letting nature and horses instill peace and healing.




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