Equine-Assisted Relationship Building

Connection between horses and humans is natural.

Horses are herd animals; and as social animals, they totally depend on each other to survive. In many ways, humans are similar. Like horses, we need each other, too.

Horses are perceptive; and like humans, they can read body language and expressions. This provides a natural link between people and horses.

Clients talk about fear of rejection, fear of abandonment, and fear of not being enough. Through working with horses, they learn to overcome these fears.

Horses help build relationships and overcome obstacles.

A family began therapy by choosing horses to walk with them through the “obstacles” in their relationships. The obstacles, such as yelling, anger, and jealousy, were named by the family; and then a sign was placed and secured to each obstacle.

Each person created a personal goal written on a note card and buried in the sand in the arena. One child in the family chose a horse to which they related, and they walked through the obstacles together.

After walking around one obstacle, the horse refused to move from one specific spot. No amount of coaxing would get this horse to move his feet. The child finally noticed that the horse was standing squarely on her goal – which read “connection.”

This experience led the family to change the focus of their work from the problem of blaming others to the solution of connection. This powerful move encouraged them to work differently as a family both in and out of the arena.

Equine-assisted therapy helps build relationships.

Children are helped with reactive attachment issues, and families learn how to build better relationships.

Couples learn to establish relationships built on open communication and trust.

Families and couples learn to understand boundaries and body language communication.

Other issues that can be addressed include anxiety, depression, trauma, and post-traumatic stress (both acute and chronic).

Being stuck in an uncomfortable relationship – family, couples, friend – is not fun.