The Best Kind Of Therapy
[Note: This post contains discussion about disabilities. I have done my best to respect those in the community. If you come across this post, and you see something that feels off-putting or offensive to you, please reach out to me at the email listed at the bottom of this post, and I will correct it right away!]
"There's a reason why horse therapy is a thing."
This is a very true statement. So many people think about dog therapy when they think about general animal therapy, and they completely overlook the power of horse therapy.
Maybe it's because they've heard how horses have scared people, or maybe it's because of a horse's large size that they don't think horses can be good therapists.
But in reality, horses teach us things that you may not even realize unless you start hanging out with them more.
Check-In
I landed a job!
Last week was an interesting one because I had a job lined up at the local animal shelter, and then I got an interview offer for a vet assistant position at an animal hospital.
And after going through the interview process at the animal hospital, I was offered the position and I accepted that position, as it felt more in alignment with my timeline, schedule and plans for the future.
I actually start right as this podcast episode and corresponding blog post drops, and I am very excited to learn about the vet world, as well as wear scrubs every day.
As far as riding goes, I had a few great lessons since I've been back in the saddle on a consistent basis. I've been cantering a lot, and I got to ride Chance last Thursday.
Right now, things just feel like they're clicking more in lessons (most likely because the quality of my life has improved overall from when I started riding). I also feel like I'm at a point in my training where I know most of the basics, I can comfortably and confidently ask for three out of the four gaits on different horses and I'm able to work on fine-tuning my technique more.
Looking at videos of when I started riding versus more recent videos, I can visibly see a difference in my technique, form and confidence, and I'm so incredibly proud of that.
I'm looking forward to really getting into the specifics of my technique such as steadying my hands in each gait and keeping my heels down. I'm also looking forward to jumping soon.
How Horse Therapy Helps People
Before I start, I want to preface that I am not a therapist. I did not go to school to become a therapist. Therefore, all of the examples I am providing will be backed up with real life examples — things that I've seen, things that I've heard and things that I've experienced myself.
For the past few weeks or so, I have been talking heavily about how horses can sense and mirror our emotions.
Because of this, horses are excellent teachers, as they not only teach us skills to become better riders, but they also teach us things about ourselves.
They're a mirror to our emotions, so they show us what we're showing them. Even if you're a person who can hide emotions well on the outside (like me), all of those underlying emotions will be exposed the moment you're on a horse.
Horses help us develop skills such as communication and leadership.
For example, if you're someone who is maybe a little shy speaking to people, you may find it easier to communicate with a horse because they don't necessarily talk back to you, and they need someone who will lead them.
So, in lessons, you'll learn how to be more confident in leading because you'll see how your horse responds better to a more commanding version of you.
Even for those who are physically disabled, depending on the affected body part, horseback riding is a really great form of exercise and it may be a good rehabilitation option for healing an injury.
A real-life example pulled from this CBS Morning News Special about horse therapy is how inmates learn skills such as compassion, empathy and calmness when they're faced with horses as a part of their community service time.
A real-life example pulled from my own life is how I have learned to be more confrontational from being able to command a more stubborn pony (yes, Chance, I'm talking about you...).
A real-life example pulled from the television series "The Saddle Club" is how a blind girl discovered a passion for horseback riding, saying that the horse's eyes are her eyes, and it makes her feel more secure.
Horse therapy works because it is used to enhance someone's life by developing certain action-based skills that may be under-developed or lost.
Horse therapy also works because people will truly develop a friendship, a special bond, with them. Once a horse includes us in their herd, they are our fierce and loyal protectors.
With Chance and I, he understands my emotions better than I understand my own emotions. When he rested his head on my chest after going through a rough breakup, it was like he felt and understood my emotions, and gave me all the love when I needed it the most.
Horse therapy provides someone confidence, loyalty, comfort and stability, which are all amazing attributes to have and to develop as a human being.
One of my favorite things about my Thursday lessons is that the majority of the riders in my lesson are adults who are riding for the fun of it. We all have jobs and want to de-stress after a long day.
You don't need to have a diagnosed disability to gain the amazing benefits of horseback riding.
Whether you have a diagnosed disability or you're just the average person dealing with the stresses of life, horses can really help improve the quality of your life in whatever way that may be.
I'm not going to lie, it does take a certain person to handle certain horses. It's not easy to hop on a horse when you have underlying anxiety, and horses aren't a cute and cuddly puppy.
My recommendation is to accept and communicate your emotions. Talk to your trainers, talk to your barn. They might be able to help pair you with a horse that fits you the best.
Just like general therapy, you first learn to come to terms with your emotions. Then, you'll be able to recognize them and work on developing the skills to combat the negative feelings.
And once you do that, the confidence will come through and you'll be unstoppable.
(If you're looking for a way to get more involved in horse therapy, check your local area for a therapeutic riding center. They are usually always looking for volunteers!)
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