Therapeutic Riding Info

Horses are strong, trustworthy, and noble creatures which for thousands of years, have played the role of warhorse, every day transportation, companion and more.  Now they are also playing the role of psychotherapy assistant through a discipline known as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), which is increasingly being used to treat Veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs estimates that Post Traumatic Stress affects as many as one-quarter of the troops returning from deployments.  The growing field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is showing great promise in treating Veterans and their families who suffer from anxiety, depression, anger, and other debilitating effects of this invisible, yet very real disability.  

The Brave HEART Program differs from other therapeutic riding programs for Veterans because it involves both the Military member, and the family.  During their time at the farm, families spend quality time in the outdoors doing a variety of activities.  From horseback riding to arts & crafts, the emphasis is on the family and strengthening bonds between family members.  These experiences enhance the therapeutic process by bringing everyone together in a low-stress environment.

We also offer therapeutic riding for Military individuals with physical or mental challenges to improve muscle tone, motor development, balance, posture, coordination, and overall emotional well-being.  Our Riders experience a sense of independence, that they may not be able to experience anywhere else.  

How Equine Therapy Promotes Emotional Healing

Therapeutic riding horses are used as tools for Military Members and Veterans to gain self-understanding and emotional growth.  It recognizes the bond between animals and humans and the potential for emotional healing that can occur when a relationship is formed between the two species.  In some cases, the horses are not ridden, and usually are not tethered in the arena, but allowed to roam free.  Exercises can be as simple as giving the client instruction on how to approach the horse and gain their trust.

Confidence

]The learning and mastery of a new skill (horsemanship) --enhances a person’s confidence in their ability to tackle difficult challenges, such as recovery, and leads to improved self-esteem.  It has the potential to reinforce things the person already does well and shows them they are capable of approaching new challenges and succeeding, which serves as a building block for all other therapy in which they may be involved.  Working with animals is part of a holistic approach that removes the coldness of clinical solutions previously offered as we learn more about the effects of persistent and sustained conflict on those who volunteer to serve.  Including the family as part of all of these efforts, if only to witness the progress their loved one is making as part of their recovery, works toward the healing of the military member and their families.

Self Worth

Learning to communicate and achieve harmony with a large animal promotes renewed feelings of efficacy. A motivated 'I can do it!' replaces feelings of helplessness and discouragement, by empowering the person to take on new challenges in other areas of recovery.

Self-Awareness

iding helps participants to develop a more realistic view of themselves through awareness of their size in relation to the horse. This is especially important in helping people with communication issues as well as those with interpersonal problems.

Communication

Horses' sensitivity to non-verbal communication assists people in developing a greater awareness of their emotions, the non-verbal cues that they may be communicating, and the important role of non-verbal communication in relationships.

Trust

Learning to trust an animal as large, powerful, and potentially intimidating as a horse aids in the development or restoration of trust for those whose capacity for trust has  eroded due to difficult life experiences such as overseas separation, spending time in a war zone, and experiencing the trauma of injury or death  of close friends.  The shared experiences of military personnel, particularly those who have deployed and served together under combat conditions, and particularly those who have experienced the severe trauma of the injury or death of comrades, creates the potential for many social and psychological difficulties that are further complicated by the need to control one’s emotions in order to continue with the mission at hand.  Often the consequences of these social and psychological difficulties do not manifest themselves until military personnel complete their deployment and begin to reintegrate with their families.  The isolation that can result because the family of the military member cannot relate to the circumstances they experienced during the deployment can create trust issues, anxiety, anger, etc.

Perspective

Grooming activities and other types of care for a specific horse helps  service members to put aside the self-absorbed focus  of their problems, such as depression and stress.  This allows them to redirect their attention and interests outwardly toward safe and caring interactions, which works to build relationships based upon trust and mutual respect.

Anxiety Reduction

Many studies of human-animal interaction indicate that contact with animals significantly reduces anxiety levels and the physiological results of stress. Some are initially afraid of horses, but horses’ genuine affection for humans allay this fear, which helps to mitigate anxiety issues.

Decreasing Isolation

For many individuals with PTSD,  the feeling of being rejected by, and different from, other people is a common occurrence. The horse's unconditional acceptance works to invite  those facing PTSD back into the fellowship of family and life thereby diminishing their isolation

Self Acceptance

Due to lack of exposure with large and powerful animals  some are initially concerned that they will do something embarrassing while learning  and interacting  with a horse.  However, they quickly learn through observation and interaction with these amazing creatures the comfort human interaction brings to the horses which transmits to those who work with them. Fears of embarrassment in public are  reduced and self-acceptance is increased.

Social Skills

Many individuals with PTSD are socially isolated or withdrawn, which reduces their ability to interact with others and to practice effective interpersonal skills. A positive relationship with a horse is often a first, safe step toward practicing the social skills needed to initiate closer relationships with people.

Assertiveness

Communicating effectively with a horse requires the rider to demonstrate assertiveness, direction, and initiative which are important skills  in building and sustaining  relationships.