The Power of the Horse

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Those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), often feel lost and struggle with how to reclaim their lives and move forward. PTSD is an extremely serious disorder that must be treated through professional therapy. But when the therapy is over, how does one restore themselves and move on? Through our powerful program, horses teach participants what skills need to be developed in order to regain their personal and professional confidence. Develop skills such as effective communication, active listening, trust, leadership, confidence, appropriate assertiveness, boundaries, articulation, teamwork, and more. 

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Horses are sensitive animals who are able to sense even the slightest change in the environment around them. By nature, the horse has senses and instincts that are highly astute. For survival alone, the horse must always be aware of their surroundings and be quick to react. A horse herd's #1 priority, or common goal, is safety. Herds to horses are like teams to humans. We all work together for a common goal. Leadership is required in herds, just as in teams. However, leadership is not by dominance, and that has been studied in both herd and human life. A horse seeks leadership - but this leadership needs to be earned to be respected. Working with a horse is a huge step towards leadership development within an individual - and that doesn't mean you have to be a CEO of a company. A true leader is a leader to themselves, by being able to answer the questions "where do I want to go?" and "how am I going to get there?" 

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Without clear intention, a horse will not trust their leader. When working with a horse, one must truly plan and decide where they want to go. If they do not, the horse will take the lead. Just as in life, if we do not take lead with our lives, we will get pulled around. By being able to give the horse and their teammates clear communication, participants develop interpersonal communication and relationship skills. Horses are completely non-judgemental - they are not capable of judgement. They are only capable of reacting to the environment around them. Horses are incredibly forgiving and honest- their feedback is obvious and immediate. You will know when your teacher is talking! And these lessons are paralleled back to participants' everyday lives in order to ensure that what is learned in the arena, is put into application out in the world. Experiential learning is extremely powerful - learning by doing is the oldest form of learning. By adding a horse to the formula, our program creates unique memories that last - ensuring the participant's learning is retained. 

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Who Would Benefit?

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Anyone who is suffering with moving forward in their life would benefit from our program. However, the following find the program extremely beneficial: 

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- First responders 

- Veterans 

- Those trying to move forward in life with PTSD 

- Those who have suffered abuse 

- Those looking for inner balance and peace 

- Family members of those suffering from PTSD 

- Those looking to rebuild relationships and reconnect with their significant other, family, and/or friends

- Those looking to overcome barriers to find change and personal and/or professional development