Horses are relationship-oriented and intuitively sense and honestly respond to the emotions of those around them, which makes the horse-human bond a powerful healing mechanism.


Cocoa, Florida. “It will also enhance a rider’s quality of life, build confidence, independence and self-esteem. Tis is particularly true of riders with emotional or behavioral disabilities.” Research shows that children and adults


with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke and other conditions that affect motor control saw improvements in balance, gait, gross motor function and posture aſter several weeks of equine- assisted treatment.


Horses at Work “I look for horses who are not afraid of new things, but curious about them … a horse that thinks through a new situation, that expresses himself freely and that enjoys interacting with humans,” says Good. “From there, my professional team works on building a relationship with that horse so that the horse feels safe to build relationships with clients who may or may not have any horse background.” Tere are certifications and advanced


courses that ensure appropriate training of the therapists and instructors, the safety of the people receiving services and the training and well-being of the horses. Reputable organizations include the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (eagala.org), the Professional Association of Terapeutic Horsemanship International (pathintl.org) and Natural Lifemanship (NaturalLifemanship.com).


“In addition to requiring that the horses


are quiet, gentle animals and physically and mentally sound, they are trained to be desensitized to noise, wheelchairs, walkers and different types of therapeutic equipment that riders may need for safety or postural assistance,” says Leigh. Her horses get four weeks off every year and work a schedule that ensures ample time to rest and recharge during the day. “Te horse is a co-therapist. Tey are


doing a job, and it’s a not an easy job,” says Tocker. “To ensure the well-being of our equine therapists, they get ample time off and massages. Tey’re taking on a lot, so we want to make sure they don’t burn out.” “I have horses that seem to step in and


‘protect’ clients when they are feeling vulnerable. I have horses who try to help regulate the anxious client by breathing or yawning or nuzzling,” says Good. “For the most part, we trust the horses to just be themselves, and what they bring is always helpful for the client.” “Horses are able to be present and focus


solely on what is going on around them. Tey do not think about the future or the past or judge people based on what they look like or what experiences they may have had,” says Tocker. “I feel like I witness miracles every time I do a session at the barn.”


Julie Peterson writes about health and wellness from rural Wisconsin. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.


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UPCOMING EVENTS with LIFE COACH ANGELA JACKSON


HORSE YOGA PRACTICE Sunday, Sept 19 • 9:30-10:30 am Being with horses and practicing yoga in nature helps us move beyond our existing reality and drops us into a greater level of awareness. No horse or yoga experience needed.


HORSE MEDITATION CIRCLE Sunday, Sept 25 • 9:30-11:30 am Tap into your inner stillness in the presence of horses. Followed by a one- on-one horse experience. No horse or meditation experience needed.


EQUUS WORKSHOP: GETTING OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY


Saturday, Oct 16 • 10:00a–1:00p Learn how your thoughts and beliefs about life keep you from living it. Tis 3-hour event using horses will teach and show you how to tune into your own senses. Also become aware of the judgements you make everyday that affect your life. No horse experience needed.


For more information visit: www.angelasjackson.com


To reserve your spot for any of the above events, email: asjlifecoach@gmail.com


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