Why Horses? 

Horses For Personal Growth And Development

Anyone who truly knows horses can tell you that they share a wide variety of emotions and personality types in common with people. And like people, every one of those innate characteristics is shaped by environment and learned behaviors. Some people don't naturally relate to horses, because they don't understand the horse's motivations or methods of processing information. However, once we take a look at what's important to a horse on various levels and the ways in which the horse tries to accomplish what's important to him, it all seems very familiar.

For instance, let's look at social structure. The horse is a herd animal, which means that he relies on his herd for everything like safety & guidance, food & water, affection and play. A herd is lead by a stallion and a mare who make every important decision and keep social order for the good of the entire herd. This is where the herd takes on the dynamics of a human family. Issues of loving discipline, mutual respect, clear communication, consequences for actions and boundaries are common to both.

However, because the herd leaders are responsible for the very survival of each member, it is essential that they be the smartest, strongest, wisest and most athletic of the bunch. Under a weak leader, the herd would perish. So, to ensure that the best horse is always the leader, he is tested constantly by the rest of the herd in the form of dominance play. He is in effect, elected by his herd mates. If he doesn't pass the tests, he is "fired" by the next highest horse in the hierarchy. Does this sound a bit like the military, a corporation, government, or even a gang? However, to a horse, leadership means life or death. Evolution dictates that you will not find a better role model for leadership skills or group cooperation.

The previous examples speak of a horse's strengths and positive leadership which can be compared to a human's. Unfortunately, they are also susceptible to emotional issues like depression, anxiety, attachment disorders, emotional shutdown, learned helplessness, post traumatic stress, displaced behaviors, and addiction. Just like humans, horses seek relief from pain, fear and emotional pressure. They can be very creative in finding ways to fulfill their needs. And like humans, if they cannot find successful solutions, they express their pain and fear outwardly. Horses and humans both "react" on a subconscious level when threatened, and they both "respond" consciously when exercising problem solving skills.

By intentionally pairing a horse and human with the same personality traits, behaviors and emotional states, we can create a powerful mirror for the client. The non-judgmental nature of the horse provides a non-threatening environment in which the client can relate with the horse and see themselves with compassion and objectivity. By relating their own experience with that of the horse, the client can get in touch with their feelings and behaviors to explore new choices. Learning empathy for the horse allows the person to look upon their self with the same love and acceptance.

For a horse to respect and trust you, you must give respect and be trustworthy. Non-verbal communication is a horse's first language. Your emotions and intentions are always clear to a horse, no matter how you try to hide them. A horse cannot be bullied or coerced into a relationship. And like most humans, horses respond negatively to disrespect, impatience and lack of focus and self-control. Horses, however, do not hold grudges or have hidden agendas. If a human changes their behavior and makes better choices, the horse will respond positively to the change. The honesty and perceptiveness of the feedback that a horse gives the client is invaluable.

After watching our four-legged therapists interacting with people, breaking down emotional barriers and touching hearts, it's easy to see that the possibilities of learning with them are endless. The biggest benefit of equine experiential learning being that the client actually experiences emotions, choices, consequences and victories that they can apply to their lives instantly. It's about making real time choices and changes through learned experience, not just talking about it.