Founded in 2000, Astride Life Therapeutic Ranch, Rescue and “Farm”acy is a program that partners people in unforgettable interactive experiences with rescued and retired horses to foster emotional, social, spiritual and psychological growth. As a result of our program, our clients develop greater self-esteem, confidence, resilience, communication skills, strengthened relationships and a deeper understanding of themselves and their world.
Those who are familiar with horses recognize and understand the power horses have to influence people in incredibly profound ways. The benefits of responsibility, assertiveness, communication, work ethic and healthy relationships have long been recognized. Horses naturally provide these benefits. The use of horses is growing and gaining popularity with the rise of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL).
Horses are large and powerful and can be intimidating. Working alongside a horse, creates a natural opportunity to overcome fears, creates confidence and provides wonderful insight when dealing with challenging life situations. Like humans, horses are social animals with defined roles within their herds. Since they would rather be with their peers, they have to learn to “get along” in their herds in order to survive. They have distinct personalities, attitudes and moods. Just like with people, an approach that works with one horse won’t necessarily work with another. At times they want to play and at other times they seem stubborn and defiant. Just trying to figure
out how to convince a 1200 pound horse to move that doesn’t want to move is just as challenging as trying to get a teen to focus on their school work! In other words, horses provide vast opportunities for metaphorical learning.
Horses most importantly mirror human emotion and body language. Many complain, “This horse is stubborn. That horse doesn’t like me,” etc. The lesson is that if individuals change (on a variety of different levels) themselves, the horses begin to respond to them differently. Above all, horses are honest and will tell you the way ”it is”, which makes them especially powerful yet nonthreatening messengers. Source: Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association – EAGALA
Dealing with emotional and behavioral difficulties is achieved through the combining of traditional counseling
together with equine activities. In additional to increased insight regarding dysfunctional patterns of behavior, this combination promotes and teaches improved ways to self care, to cope, to develop life skills and insight into relationship difficulties, to develop team work, problem solving skills, and an improved ability to communicate with others.
EAP deals with a variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, chemical dependency, ADHD/ADD, behavioral issues, eating disorders, parenting/couples/relationship issues, PTSD and others. Individuals project their unconscious fears and beliefs on the horses. The horses provide an opportunity to take a safe first step in disclosing long held secrets to the horse who is unconditionally there for them and will never judge them.