An equine therapy retreat is not a place where horses are sent for rest and rehabilitation. Equine therapy retreats are actually designed for people; the horses are part of the program that helps clients find answers to problems that keep them from living life to the fullest. This way of enhancing mental health is rapidly gaining in popularity.
This concept has really taken hold. There are certified retreat centers in many places - 250 or more in North America alone. It is part 'corporate team building', part 'get away from the rat race', part therapeutic riding, and all about learning your strengths, facing your fears, and finding peace. People can do it as individuals or as part of a group.
Therapeutic riding began in the 1960s as a way to help people with disabilities, both adults and children. Riding helps improve core strength, posture, and balance for someone who has limited capabilities. The walk of a horse moves the rider's spine like walking on two legs does - which is an amazing thing for someone confined to a wheelchair. Being on a horse lets a crippled child see the world from a 'normal' perspective. Autistic children open up around a pony.
The mental and emotional benefits of being around horses often exceeded the physical. Autistic children opened up to their ponies. Disabled adults could once more achieve a degree of independence. As the adage said, the outside of a horse proved to be good for the inside of a man.
Abused children suspicious of everyone in their world found they could trust the horse. Women who felt powerless in domestic or professional situations found inner strength as they learned to direct a huge animal; they also could allow their inner child to fall in love with their horse. People with impenetrable social masks found that horses knew instinctively how they were really feeling.
People with anxiety issues, who suffer from depression, who are unable to form and keep relationships, or who have lost hope come to retreats. There they connect with nature, see beautiful scenery, and interact with gentle, magnificent horses. Some places also have dogs, cats, chickens, sheep, or other friendly animals. City dwellers may never have known the peace of the countryside.
Business executives who are overwhelmed by the challenges they face can gain perspective to make a new push. People can get to know themselves better by working with a horse. Some retreats include meditation in their therapy, while others use the simple skills needed to care for animals in ways that reveal hidden issues that people have. Psychology employs the intuitive understanding that many horses have to help people find emotional balance, release, and refreshment.
This form of therapy is called 'hippotherapy'. It's getting rave reviews from people who have experienced it and found it immensely rewarding. Even those who go to watch may find themselves getting involved and renewed. It's all about surrendering personal goals and agendas and letting nature and horses instill peace and healing.
This concept has really taken hold. There are certified retreat centers in many places - 250 or more in North America alone. It is part 'corporate team building', part 'get away from the rat race', part therapeutic riding, and all about learning your strengths, facing your fears, and finding peace. People can do it as individuals or as part of a group.
Therapeutic riding began in the 1960s as a way to help people with disabilities, both adults and children. Riding helps improve core strength, posture, and balance for someone who has limited capabilities. The walk of a horse moves the rider's spine like walking on two legs does - which is an amazing thing for someone confined to a wheelchair. Being on a horse lets a crippled child see the world from a 'normal' perspective. Autistic children open up around a pony.
The mental and emotional benefits of being around horses often exceeded the physical. Autistic children opened up to their ponies. Disabled adults could once more achieve a degree of independence. As the adage said, the outside of a horse proved to be good for the inside of a man.
Abused children suspicious of everyone in their world found they could trust the horse. Women who felt powerless in domestic or professional situations found inner strength as they learned to direct a huge animal; they also could allow their inner child to fall in love with their horse. People with impenetrable social masks found that horses knew instinctively how they were really feeling.
People with anxiety issues, who suffer from depression, who are unable to form and keep relationships, or who have lost hope come to retreats. There they connect with nature, see beautiful scenery, and interact with gentle, magnificent horses. Some places also have dogs, cats, chickens, sheep, or other friendly animals. City dwellers may never have known the peace of the countryside.
Business executives who are overwhelmed by the challenges they face can gain perspective to make a new push. People can get to know themselves better by working with a horse. Some retreats include meditation in their therapy, while others use the simple skills needed to care for animals in ways that reveal hidden issues that people have. Psychology employs the intuitive understanding that many horses have to help people find emotional balance, release, and refreshment.
This form of therapy is called 'hippotherapy'. It's getting rave reviews from people who have experienced it and found it immensely rewarding. Even those who go to watch may find themselves getting involved and renewed. It's all about surrendering personal goals and agendas and letting nature and horses instill peace and healing.
About the Author:
You can find details about the benefits of receiving equine therapy and more info about equine therapy retreats at http://www.horsesenseandthehumanheart.com right now.
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