Why Horses?

Simply put, horses are a mirror to ourselves.  They allow us to recognize how we are thinking, feeling and acting.  Horses, being prey animals, are acutely aware of their surroundings.  Their heightened senses offer a unique ability to recognize what a human’s intention is.  In an instant, a horse can scan a person’s body language and energy.  They are constantly asking the question, “Am I safe with you?”  As herd animals, horses seek that safety in others.   As we learn to connect with them, we must recognize our emotions and energy.  When we make small changes in the way we project, act and feel,  the horse gives us instant feedback.  This allows us, in real time, to see how the slightest shift in our behavior can change the way we relate to ourselves and those around us.

 Why Mindfulness?

 Mindfulness is the key ingredient when we are learning how to recognize and regulate those emotions.  It allows us to become more aware of one’s thoughts, emotions and experiences.  When you recognize and examine those thoughts and feelings, rather than being overwhelmed, you are better able to manage them rather than avoid them.  When working with a horse, you must be in the present moment.  They are large, thinking beings that require your full attention.  They react to the slightest change and to notice those reactions, we must be fully present and aware.  This is why working with horses can be so helpful in teaching mindfulness techniques!

Are We a Therapy Program?

Our program was developed to connect with the horse itself.  It is based on teaching horsemanship techniques that create deep bonds between the client and the horse.  We are not a clinical therapeutic program, so we are often a great option for those who are not responding to traditional therapy or are just looking to add mindfulness practice to their wellness plan.  We have created an environment that is beautiful and thoughtfully laid out for comfort and relaxation.  We are purposefully smaller in scale to most offerings in this field as it allows for a more peaceful and private setting for the participant experience as well as an assured quality of life for our equine partners.

Why no riding?

In this program, the goal is not to be a “rider”. It is to connect and bond with horses. We have had lifelong riders say that without the distraction of riding them, we get to know who these horses are at a deeper level. The horses interact with them in ways that would be missed if they were sitting on top of them and focused on just themselves and have found find it more rewarding than riding. While we love to ride and some of our advanced students do incorporate riding into their sessions with us, it is not the goal.

If we don’t ride them, then what do we do?

After teaching the basics of horse safety, we interact with the horses on line or at liberty (with no rope connected to them). On any given day, we can work on the challenging obstacle course that has both beginner and advanced obstacles, trail walks, create a liberty routine, work in the round pen arena and even meditation exercises on horseback and at liberty!