#equine assisted learning

[yourhorsetales]

Horses have long been revered for their companionship and majesty, but their role in healing is gaining increasing recognition. Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) is experiencing a surge in popularity, and for good reason. Let’s ride into some of the latest news in this field: Growing Recognition: A recent report, the Equine Assisted Services Research Report (EASR), compiles peer-reviewed research on EAT, lending credibility to the practice [1]. This accessible resource helps solidify EAT as a data-driven approach to therapy. Mental Health Applications: Studies are highlighting the potential of EAT in managing mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma [2, 3]. Therapists are incorporating horses into treatment plans, often focusing on building an emotional connection with the animal rather than riding itself. Expanding Reach: The Human Equine Interaction Register (HEIR) in the UK is creating a network of qualified EAT providers, ensuring quality and promoting the responsible practice of EAT [4]. This focus on professionalism is crucial for the continued growth of the field. Social Prescribing: Healthcare providers are increasingly recommending EAT as part of social prescribing initiatives. This means doctors might recommend EAT alongside traditional treatments, making it a more accessible option for those seeking mental and emotional well-being. Looking Ahead The future of EAT seems bright. With growing research, a focus on qualified practitioners, and wider acceptance within healthcare systems, equine-assisted therapy has the potential to help many people on their path to healing.

[ultimatewellnessinc]

At Ultimate Wellness Inc. we believe in the profound impact of experiential learning, especially when it involves our equine partners. Our Equine Assisted Learning Alberta programs are designed to cater to a wide range of needs and goals. Whether you’re seeking personal development, team building, leadership skills, or stress reduction, our certified facilitators and gentle horses are here to guide you on your journey.

Ultimate Wellness Inc. 51501 Range Road 80, Parkland County, AB T0E 0S0 (780) 898–3013

My Official Website: https://ultimatewellnessinc.com/ Google Plus Listing: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=6546825745350281208

Service We Offer:

Equine Assisted Learning Equine Assisted Therapy Equine Assisted Learning Horse Therapy Holistic Learning Programs Leadership Development Programs Unique Leadership Development Programs

Follow Us On:

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[journeytothewestresearch]

Mythological Horse Girls

It recently dawned on me that Sun Wukong from Chinese myth and Poseidon from Greek myth have something in common: they are both the god of horses!

1. Background

Sun Wukong

In chapter four of Journey to the West (Xiyouji, 西遊記, 1592), Monkey is invited to heaven to serve as the Bimawen (弼馬溫, “To assist horse temperament”), a minor post overseeing the celestial horse stables (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 148). He takes the position seriously, caring for nearly 1,000 horses day and night, making sure they are all well-fed, exercised, and rested (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 149). His position gives him power over all horses, even those of mortal stock. Chapter 14 reads:

When the horse saw [Wukong], its torso slackened and its legs stiffened. In fear and trembling, it could hardly stand up. For you see, that monkey had been a [Bimawen], who used to look after dragon horses in the celestial stables. His authority was such that horses of this world inevitably would fear him when they saw him (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 309). [1]

Poseidon

He is considered the creator or even father of horses. Hard (2019) explains:

He was widely worshipped as Poseidon Hippios (the Lord of Horses), horses played a prominent part in his cult, and legend even presented him as the father of the first horse. [...] A legend from Thessaly in the north-east, which was a centre for the breeding of horses, represented Poseidon as the progenitor of the entire equine race. For when he had once been lying asleep in that land (where he was honoured under the title of Petraios, ‘he of the rock’), he had shed some of his semen on to the rocky ground, fertilizing the earth and so causing it to bring forth the first horse, Scyphios. Or, in some later accounts, he caused that earth to bring forth Scyphios (and Areion too in one version) by striking the ground with his trident. Or, in secondary versions that were developed at Athens, Poseidon fertilized the ground at Colonos, just outside the city, to produce the first horse, here called Sceironites, or else caused it to spring from the ground with a blow of his trident while competing with Athena for possession of Attica (pp. 126 and 127).

Astute readers will notice that Poseidon's other title, Petraios ("He of the Rock"), and ability to create life from stone is also related to Sun Wukong. You can read more about divine lithic births here.

2. Horse Girls Unite!

I previously thought of a UA where Heracles, guardian of the Buddha, is called in place of Erlang to end Monkey's rebellion in chapter six. And after Wukong achieves Buddhahood in chapter 100, the Tathagata asks Heracles to take Monkey through the Greek World system. There, the Victorious Fighting Buddha would no doubt learn of Poseidon's connection to horses.

I think both would bond over a mutual love for horses, perhaps geeking out about the subject for hours.

Notes:

1) This power was given to Monkey by the Jade Emperor, who gives him the Bimawen post. This was pointed out to me by Irwen Wong of the Journey to the West Library blog.

Sources:

Hard, R. (2019). The Routledge Handbook of Greek Mythology (8th ed.). United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis.

Wu, C., & Yu, A. C. (2012). The Journey to the West (Vols. 1-4) (Rev. ed.). Chicago, Illinois: University of Chicago Press.

[drafthorsemath]

TBB and Clones HCs - What kind of horse would they have?

Thank you to @staycalmandhugaclone for listening to my entire ramble about this and encouraging me to post it.

I don’t actually do a lot of AU HCs but this was fun.  I’ve definitely thought about this in depth. Here are my HCs for what kind of horse these clones would have (breed, color, name, and horsenality) and what kind of horse sports they might be into.  You’ll see terms like left brain (a horse that is naturally confident), right brain (a horse that is naturally unconfident), introvert (in literal terms, this would rather stand around than move quickly unless they feel danger), and extrovert (the horse not only wants to move their feet, their instinct drives them to frequently).

Wrecker

This big boy needs a draft horse or cross. It's only fair. He gets a black Percheron.  And as Wrecker is pretty extroverted, he needs a left brain extroverted horse who can keep up with him. This horse likes chasing cows and going on trail rides. But don't let their size fool you. Like Wrecker, this horse is an absolute locomotive when it comes to getting somewhere fast.  When cow working or the trail ride is over though? Wrecker takes the saddle off and makes sure his equine partner gets plenty of time to roll and shake off. Horse's name: Hector.

Echo

This smart boy needs a horse who can be patient at the mounting block so he can get on safely and is comfortable with vocal cues in addition to the usual stuff. Echo prefers riding Western because he can get away with using just one hand on the reins. He definitely rides a left-brain introverted horse. One that will not take off with him for no good reason, but that is steady. Echo also prefers a shorter horse who is easier to get off of due to his cybernetic legs. This horse can walk for miles while Echo enjoys nature with his equine companion, but is also willing to book it when asked. Echo’s horse is a chunky, buckskin Quarter Horse named Blaster.

Hunter

Hunter is a pretty sensitive soul. He likes to take his time and consider things without jumping in too much and he definitely needs a horse who can think without jumping into trouble. Like Echo, he gets a left-brain introvert. Now Hunter is canonically the shortest of the group (except Omega) so he doesn't want to have to climb onto some super tall horse like Wrecker can.  Hunter can handle some height, but too much is annoying, especially when he has to get on and off a lot from the ground during trail rides or camping trips. Hunter has a palomino Tennessee Walking Horse which is perfectly suited to his horsemanship goals. While they may often be found in the show ring under stressful circumstances, Hunter prefers their natural gait and refuses to show his horse.  That’s not for him.  He finds it easy to ride outside for hours at a time. Hunter takes his horse deer hunting, dragging a deer carcass home after a successful morning in the woods. His horse’s name is Zip.

Tech

So Tech might be a chatterbox at times (and legitimately, I could listen to him all day about anything), but he's also a quiet thinker and can spend a lot of time to himself. When he's taking in new information, especially learning about an animal without the assistance of a data pad, he's going to be good at watching his horse and he learns how to read his horse quickly. He is a very quick study when it comes to horsemanship and so he would do well with a right brain introverted horse. This horse needs someone to take their time with them and form a strong bond, so when something scares them, their person will be right there to help them calm down.  Tech notices the small things that bother his horse before they become really big things. This kind of horse that needs a minute to think and a person who they can trust. Tech believes in himself and his horse latches on to that and so together they can do just about anything. Of all the batchers, I think Tech would be the most drawn to classical dressage for its elegance and precision. Tech’s horse is a dark bay Dutch Warmblood named Descartes.

Crosshair

I firmly believe Crosshair masks a lot of his emotions with snark, but I think underneath it all, he is very emotional. I think he would also do well with a horse that has emotions brewing underneath it all, so like Tech, I think he would do well with a right-brain introverted horse. This horse doesn't want to go fast and is naturally unconfident, but Crosshair takes the time to quietly reassure his horse that things will be fine. With time, they form a strong bond and Crosshair gets into mounted archery (obviously). This once nervous horse who wanted to stand around scared is now one that can be ridden at speed through a course with Crosshair hitting each target. And in between each target he discretely pets his horse letting them know that they're doing great. Because Crosshair knows what it's like to need some validation, he's not going to let his horse down. Crosshair surprises people and so does his horse. Crosshair’s horse is a Clydesdale named Arrow.  They show up at mounted archery competitions and all these people with tiny, fast horses get blown away by this absolute tank of a beast running through the course as they kick everyone's ass.

Omega

Omega got into horse riding like her brothers, but she’s not one to get on some tall horse.  Instead, she gets a left-brain extroverted Fjord pony named Beatrice.  This draft pony is full of sass.  I mean, you could not possibly put more sass into said pony.  Omega really wants to work on mounted archery like Crosshair, but initially Beatrice loved jumping the short fences along the path of the course and then just flat out galloped through any field before coming to a screeching halt.  Hunter thought getting Omega a pony instead of a big horse would be a good idea, but it was not.  However, Omega loves Beatrice and is learning a lot in the process. She has gotten good at warm-up exercises where she asks her pony to speed up and slow down and speed up and slow down.  This way she is teaching Beatrice not to run off with her, but also promises Bea that they can still go fast sometimes.  Recently, Crosshair started taking Omega to the mounted archery course to practice because they discover that Beatrice does better with another horse around.

Rex

Rex really wanted to try dressage.  He really did.  He like the elegance and felt like the athleticism required would be perfect for him, but his horse could not handle the mental collection needed for dressage. Rex should have known better with a horse named Chaos.  Instead of dressage, Chaos wants to go fast and jump high.  Chaos is a right-brained extroverted Friesian / Arab cross. This horse is naturally unconfident and his instincts say “go fast.”  At first, this combination resulted in Rex feeling like he was having a heart attack every time he rode, but as time went on, he was able to help Chaos be more confident, and especially be more confident in Rex himself.  Once Rex fully sees that his horse is just following his instincts, he’s very understanding.  He takes his time during warm-up so by the time they get to the real work, Chaos is much more calm.  Rex decides that show jumping would be a better outlet and Chaos excels at it.  They get to go fast and jump high as a team of two and while it’s not originally what he planned, Rex loves flying high.

Fives

Oh Fives. Fives is really into cross country.  He has a gray, left-brain extroverted Holsteiner horse.  This tall leggy horse is incredibly athletic and will take on the cross country course at full speed whether or not Fives is still on his back part way through.  Fives loves the adrenaline and manages to stay on each time, but it’s not what one would call a pretty ride.  Fives originally named his horse Uno, as in “the one and only,” but Kix started calling him OhNo and it stuck.  Despite their absolute insane rides, Fives does actually care about OhNo and puts in the time to be a better rider.  He knows that it can’t be fun to have a human flopping around your neck and back while jumping down a hill and into the water, and so he spends a lot of time both in the riding arena and on trails working on his balance.

Kix

Kix has a liver chestnut and white Sugarbush Draft horse.  This big, steady horse is a left-brain extrovert.  Unlike the more extreme extroverts on this list, Kix’s horse is find just trotting around all day.  As long as he’s moving.  They love trail riding and while they don’t compete, Kix is trying his hand at the discipline of reining.  Kix named his horse Spike, but Fives calls him FreckleButt.  When the group all go trail riding together, Kix and Spike bring up the rear, making sure everyone is together and okay.  Sometimes for fun, Kix paints the red medic symbol on Spike’s hind end.  As a result, the boys got him a saddlepad with the medic symbol embroidered on it.

Cody

Cody has an immaculately trained chestnut Oldenburg that he sometimes doesn’t know what to do with.  This left-brained introvert mare was a schooling horse, but at this point in her life, she’s tired of teaching people how to ride.  She instead prefers to be fed when she’s not snoring loudly in her sleep.  When Cody got her, he was determined to ride her regularly, but instead he has had to take his time to get to know her and win her over with a lot of undemanding time (mostly involving taking her to the best grazing area on the farm).  This horse is the epitome of “horses don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”  Because of the time he spent with her, she will only put in effort for him now.  If anyone else tries to ride her, she refuses to move or will lay down.  Cody is mostly working on his freestyle riding, but after each ride he makes sure she gets a good brushing, some friendly scratches on her shoulders, and plenty of snacks.  Her favorites are molassas cookies and Cody knows better than to show up to the barn without plenty of cookies and an apple.  This horse’s name is Gloria and to Cody, she’s worth her weight in gold.

Jesse

Jesse has a buckskin Paint horse who has some markings that absolutely do not match his tattoo, but he's convinced otherwise. While Jesse originally got into horses because he wanted to run barrels, he actually really enjoys liberty work.  His mare is a right-brained extrovert and she needs to run.  While her previous owner and trainer had her run barrels thinking it got her energy out, it’s clear now to Jesse that it just gets her more worked up.  To take the pressure to perform off, Jesse started spending most of his time doing online and liberty work.  While he thought he would love riding and they sometimes go on a nice ride through the field, he spends most of his time teaching her tricks.  He likes the feeling that his horse can be running around without a halter or lead rope on and still wants to be with him and play.  Whenever he arrives on the farm, she runs to him the moment she sees him.  Jesse’s horse’s name is Venatrix and he frequently lets her steal carrots out of Fives’ stash for OhNo.

Howzer

Howzer has a Swedish Warmblood named Lucy.  This right-brained introvert is very unconfident and very introverted.  When he first got her, she would really rather just stand in her stall and be left alone.  She possibly comes from a difficult past, but it’s hard to say.  She is, however, a good equine match for Howzer.  He wants to do right by her.  He’s not going to just throw on a saddle and go.  He spends a lot of time standing around in her vicinity without asking much of anything.  This turns into doing online work and going for walks together outside.  As soon as she shows she’s worried about something, he backs off so she doesn’t feel pressure.  It doesn’t take long before Lucy realizes that he’s a different kind of horse owner than those of her past.  She rapidly bonds to him after this and as he’s able to ride more, Howzer is also interested in dressage, like Tech.  Lucy likes this discipline as well because it isn’t too fast and there is a lot of quiet communication with the rider.  As they begin to trust each other, Howzer is able to ask for more from her and she is able to expand her bubble of comfort.

Gregor

When Gregor decided to get a horse, Rex joked and said he should get a mule instead.  Gregor rolled his eyes a little bit, but within a week he brought Petunia home.  Like any mule, this Belgian Draft Mule has a lot of opinions.  She’s a left-brain introvert who values her downtime.  She is incredibly sure-footed and Gregor loves riding through the mountains with her.  She also enjoys cow working and Gregor gets a kick out of seeing her big ears pinned at the cows who don’t move out of her way fast enough.  While she can be very slow, she definitely gets into her groove around cows.

[fafnir19]

The Angel Makers' Heir - Part III

Some days later, as I pushed open the heavy iron gates of the retirement home, an overwhelming sense of unease settled in my stomach. The responsibility of being able to decide life and death hung over me like a dark cloud. I didn't even know if it was real or just a nightmarish illusion. My student job here at the retirement home mainly involved assisting the staff with various tasks, including caring for the residents.

Mrs. Jessen, a 97-year-old lady, had always captured my attention. Despite her good health, she seemed to have lost all joy in living. On countless occasions, she confided in me, expressing her desire for the end, insisting that the higher power had forsaken her. After attending to Mrs. Jessen, I began my walk back home as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the peaceful streets. Suddenly, the tranquility shattered as screeching tires filled the air. With a jolt, I ran toward the source of the commotion. A horrific car accident had unfolded before my eyes. In one vehicle, a child remained relatively unharmed, but the mother's condition looked dire. As panic tightened its grip on my chest, a surreal sight met my eyes. The three-legged stallion stood near the injured mother. The air hummed with a strange energy, and without thinking, I appealed to the equine figure. "Bring Mrs. Jessen and spare this woman," I pleaded, my voice trembling with uncertainty. The ache in my chest didn't leave, even as the paramedics arrived and swiftly whisked the injured mother away. I couldn't shake the feeling that the stallion's presence had significance beyond my understanding. The following day at the retirement home, the news spread like wildfire. Mrs. Jessen had peacefully passed in her sleep.

Despite the melancholy that gripped me, a flicker of hope ignited within my heart as I heard the miraculous recovery of the mother from the car accident. The doctors deemed it an unexplainable phenomenon. Weeks passed, and as I walked through the bustling university campus, I couldn't shake the sense that the events at the retirement home and the accident had irrevocably altered my perception of life and death. The sun illuminated the path ahead, casting an amber glow over the vibrant foliage. My thoughts were interrupted by a commotion in the dining hall, drawing my attention to a student attempting to cheat off my paper during an exam. Professor Drather, the strict invigilator, caught him in the act, resulting in the student's failure. Outrageously, the student then accused me of collusion, hoping to drag me down with him. Fueled by indignation, I confronted the professor the next day, only to learn that he was at home nursing a mild cold. Exasperated, I vented my frustrations to my peers in the cafeteria, lamenting the injustice. A fellow student remarked, "If the professor is sick now, it's probably karma." I laughed hollowly, "Yes, may Hel drag him from his sickbed." The next day brought shocking news. Professor Drather had passed away, choking on a piece of ham. The realization struck me forcefully, sending a shiver down my spine. Dread coiled in the pit of my stomach, but beneath the fear, a newfound awareness burgeoned—a stark realization of the potential in the mysterious forces at play. And I thought:" Maybe I could make good use of my newfound super power...."

My dear Readers, what do you think? Who should Luci send to the realm of Hel and who should he protect from being taken by the three-legged stallion?

[infinitelyprecious]

Get To Know Me Tag

Ooh yes, I finally have the spoons to answer one of these again, it's been a while. Thank you for the tag @befuddledcinnamonroll 🧡🧡

Do you make your bed?

Why yes I do. It's part of my morning routine, it feels nice. I forget sometimes, but since I am in or walk past my bedroom at least once during the day, my bed almost always ends up made before the evening

What’s your favorite number?

I can't say I have a single favorite number. I do really like even numbers or ones that can be decided by 5. The exception being 7 and 11, no clue why

What is your job?

I clean houses for people who are in some way physically or mentally unable to themselves

If you could go back to school, would you?

Theoretically yes. In practice though? I love learning when I have the spoons to, but the current school system doesn't really work for my neurodivergent brain

Can you parallel park?

Yes. But I prefer not to. Don't like doing it

A job you had that would surprise people?

I used to do equine assisted coaching. Horses and people both fascinate me and this was a fun combo

Do you think aliens are real?

Not really, but I'm pretty agnostic on the matter

Can you drive a manual car?

It's how I learned to drive. Manual cars are very common where I live. I think I prefer manual cars over automatic cars even

What’s your guilty pleasure?

I'm not sure I have one

Tattoos?

Currently two. One on my ankle and one on the back of my arm. They are reminders to take care of myself.

Favorite color?

Not a specific color, but I do gravitate towards the darker shades of colors

Favorite type of music?

Hard to say, it varies. It is mainly Korean music though, the language is very pleasant to listen to

Do you like puzzles?

Yes please. Does depend on the kind of puzzle, but generally yes. Love 'em. Making puzzles is something that helps me relax

Any phobias?

I have anxiety unfortunately, so yes

Favorite childhood sport?

Horse back riding. I don't ride that much anymore, I kinda miss it

Do you talk to yourself?

All the damn time lol

What movies do you adore?

Nothing comes to mind, I'm not really a movie watcher

Coffee or tea?

Tea all the way. I love that people love coffee, but I don't think I'm ever gonna understand the appeal

First thing you wanted to be growing up?

I don't actually remember, but it was probably animal related

No pressure tags @lostemotion @theelast-straw @zoinkssc00b @takeadeepbreathandexist @cryingatships @babetanatat

[prolix-yuy]

Chapter 4: Perhaps This Life Was Not My True Life

Pairing: Jack “Whiskey” Daniels x F!Reader "Sugar"

Summary: It's only a helping hand.

Word Count: 2.5k

Warnings: T, more flirtinggggg, allusions to sexual acts, descriptions of character death (not graphic), the FEMALE gaze (everyone is hot for the cowboy), Jack Daniels needs his own warning, not much in this chapter but will be explicit in later chapters, 18+ MINORS DNI.

Notes: You know I had to use the GIF. You know it. It's just too good not to. And we're finally to the chapter where it makes sense. I also bemoan the fact that we never got to see Jack on a horse, because that's just a travesty and another thing the Golden Circle robbed us of!

Cross-posted on AO3

Cognitive Dissonance Masterlist || Whiskey & Westworld Series Masterlist

It’s an hour into the ride as you and Jack travel companionably side by side, trading flirtatious comments and learning about each other. Jack owns a small ranch a few hours away, home to a collection of smaller equines and fowl. He has a few kind neighbors, some older and needing assistance he happily provides. Never remarried, content to work the land and come into town to fulfill his deputy duties with the rest of Westworld’s lawmen, the Statesmen. It’s a life that offers long stretches of quiet punctuated by action, just to Jack’s liking.

In return Jack asks about your life outside of Sweetwater, which you try to answer in ways that would translate to things he'd understand. Your work, your family, the gaggle of girls you're following. He doesn't touch on the subject of your fiance again, and you don't bring it back up. Instead you share your hobbies, your experience riding, and try not to sneak too many glances at his worn hands or his thighs straining against denim. He's an attentive listener, more so that any first date you've been on.

Not that this is a date. Of course not. Just a suave cowboy coming to a lady's aid and sharing you lives on a dusty road.

You’re in the middle of asking him about his donkeys, which pulls a sheepish smile onto his face, when an older man bursts onto the road, stopping to talk with Rosie at the first carriage. Jack leans over to get a better look, urging Alpha to overtake the carriages and make contact. You hang back at his insistence.

“Might be something, might be nothing,” he says cryptically, bouncing as he urges Alpha up to the man. You once again get to watch his powerful posture from afar like a pining Victorian woman.

Do they have a Victorian-world? You wouldn’t put it past Delos.

They all talk for a moment, Beth poking her head out to shout something. Rosie opens the carriage door and speak to the girls as Jack moves back to you.

“All okay?” you ask, the stranger still waiting on a shifting horse. He’s older, light brown hair fanning under his hat, lines cutting into his face from age and worry. His clothing is worn and faded, almost blending in with the wind-blown landscape. He looks distraught, peering up and down the road.

“Rancher’s had his cattle break through the fence. They’re scattering across the neighboring property and his sons are three days’ ride away.” Jack chews at his mustache, wringing the reins in one hand that is too big and thick-fingered for his own good. Or yours.

“Sugar, I feel obliged to assist as I have plenty of experience wrangling cattle.”

“Of course,” you say, a little emptier at the thought of rejoining the group. As intense as the conversations got, you have to admit you enjoy Jack’s company. His smile is bright, the banter just short of anything unsavory, and feeling the hot breeze in your hair and the relaxing gait of a horse under you has made you nostalgic. For old times, freer times, when you felt as wild as an unbroken stallion and anyone who touched you was liable to come away bloody.

“You’ll be needing Copper back,” you say, swinging off the saddle as Jack makes a noise of protest.

“No, ma’am, please…” he starts to say when the slam of the carriage door interrupts. Lacey is stumbling out, shouting at the girls behind her. She catches sight of you, eyes bright as she hurries over.

“Loose cattle, that’s exciting!” she says, making your eyebrow quirk up.

“Yeah, and we’re…treasure hunting,” you laugh back, patting Copper’s neck fondly. Lacey looks at you like you’ve started speaking nonsense.

“You have to go!” she insists, leaning in closer so Jack and the other girls can’t hear as well. “I know this wasn’t what you were hoping for…”

You shake your head, a beaming smile on your face.

“No way, it’s your bachelorette! We are gonna party and find some treasure and…” Lacey stops you with a look you know well. It’s the same one she used to give you when you agreed to something because it made the larger group happy.

“Look, I’m having a great time. I’m so happy you’re here, and my friend, and going to be in my wedding.” Her eyes are so kind it makes you want to deflect. “But as far as I can tell, we’re all going to have an amazing time. We might end up together at the end of the night, we might not. We knew what we were getting into.” You roll your eyes but she squeezes your shoulder. “I’ll see you when I see you, and I better hear some good stories.” She nods at Jack, who gives her a confused tip of his hat back.

“You keep my friend here safe and out of trouble,” she orders with a stern edge to her voice.

“Yes, ma’am?” he replies with some confusion in his voice, eyes darting between the two of you. Blink and you’d miss it, but you also thought you might have seen some relief.

“Lacey…” you try one last time, shushed with a knowing look and a swish of her skirts.

Apparently Westworld is lining something up for you. You guess it’s time to stop resisting.

“Could you use another pair of hands? I’ve done my fair share of cattle runs, though it’s been a while,” you ask Jack, looking up at him haloed in the harsh sunlight. There it was again, a look of relief laced with excitement you're not sure how to interpret.

“Of course, but Sugar…” Jack cautions without much conviction as you swing back up into the saddle.

“You heard the bride, I’ve got orders,” you say with a crooked smile, tilting your hat down lower on your brow. “And you’d best find a better name than Sugar, I’m not as sweet as you might think.” With a light slap of the reins and a lean forward in the saddle, you urge Copper to follow the older man now cantering back to his farm. Jack chuckles and picks up the pace.

“When I find something that suits you, I’ll let you know,” he calls as you both hurry to catch up.

Inside the carriage, Lacey stumbles back into her seat.

“Did you tell her to go get a piece of that cowboy who’s been eyeing her all afternoon?” Dina said, a wicked smile on her face. Lacey fishes a flash out of her bag, knocking it back with a thumbs up as the girls all cheer.

“Oh god, I hope he’s packing,” she gasps at the end of her swallow, making more giggles erupt. Beth lifts an eyebrow with a sour expression.

“Isn’t she engaged?” she says prissily, making Sophia turn her perfect face to her.

“Aren’t you married? I’m sure we’ll lose track of you tonight,” she drips out. Lacey waves her hand, making a face at the burn of the vodka.

“Her fiance is a fucking asshole. The way he talks to her, you’d think they were already divorced. I’ve told her it’s not too late to call it off, but she’s just…fuck, I don’t know. Maybe there’s something going on behind the scenes. But either way, if she’s going to marry that douchebag, she deserves at least one night with a stallion. And I deserve another drink!” The carriage erupts into laughter as the girls take off, less one who is off on her own adventure.

The ride to the ranch is fast and quiet, but the pumping of your heart would have drowned out conversation anyways. The smile on your face, maybe the first genuine one all day, will probably make you swallow a bug as you keep pace with Jack and the rancher. He’d introduced himself as Jeb and shouted that he had about 100 head of cattle that broke out into the neighboring field. The ten minute ride places a deep burn in your quads and calves, not used to galloping this hard this long. It’s a welcome ache, a distracting one from the other ache you’ve been ignoring all afternoon.

Jack is holding a strong pace beside you, leaning forward enough that his waist paunches a little into a soft stomach. His hands grip the reins firmly, leather woven through his blunt fingers, and with the wind flapping his jacket open you catch sight of a coil of rope and…a whip?

Cowboy indeed.

As you crest a hill, the horses slowing to accommodate for the incline, you finally see the cattle dotting the valley. Their brown and white bodies are mostly clumped together, a few stragglers but for a full fence breach it could be worse. Jeb wipes sweat from his brow as you do the same to the back of your neck.

“Drink, ma’am,” Jack says, offering you a canteen of water from a saddle bag. You nod and take it breathlessly, savoring a few deep swigs from the metal mouth. Pulling away, a cool dribble runs from the crest of your lower lip over your chin, tracing a soothing path down your throat. As you hand the canteen back Jack's eyes dance down your neck until he finally tears them away. His brazen gaze makes you lick your lips, sliding the lower one between your teeth as you try to pull yourself back to the task at hand.

“C’mon, they’re easier to get while they’re still all bunched together,” Jeb calls over, and the three of you descend into the valley. Jack holds out the rope to you, your fingers curling around the coil to find a neat lasso.

“You ever roped before?” Jack asks, the thundering of hooves starting to drown out your voices.

“A little, not very good at it,” you shout back.

“If a calf runs off, just keep him close and we’ll come get ‘em,” Jack replies before you close in on the herd.

You worry that it’s been too long since you’ve run any cattle, the minutiae of the process foreign, but as you descend and fan out it’s like an old dance you forgot the name of, but your body remembers. The whoops and whistles Jack and Jeb trade indicate directions, moving to surround the larger part of the herd. The occasional crack of Jack’s whip helps to redirect, the sound lifting the hair on the back of your neck. The mass is slower to move but once the mwn get them going they’ll have to be wary of getting trampled. You’re left with the thinner side, a few grazing away from the group. With a few whoops of your own, you start ushering them back to the group using Copper’s build and quick hoof steps to tempt them into action. The cows low grumpily but start to amble back.

You continue your path, inching closer as you sweep up and down the outer line of them. There are only ten or so, the rest of the herd now moving back whence they came, but the thrumming accomplishment in your chest makes you feel like you wrangled a hundred head more. Jack is a small figure in the distance, but every now and then you can see him turned to you. You wish you could tell if he was smiling.

A loud bray sounds from your smaller group and a calf streaks away, all legs and uncertain movement as he rushes out.

“Shit,” you spit, whistling loudly to keep the cows moving in the right direction while you give chase. He’s not faster than Copper, but unpredictable in his dashes and stumbles. The rope in your hand is needed, purposeful, but you hold it with uncertainty as you try to remember the proper technique.

“Just…fuckin’ throw it, dammit,” you curse to yourself, releasing the looped end and a length of the coil. The first attempt glances off the calf’s haunches, making him spin and cry louder as he moves further away. A litany of curses fall from your lips as you speed the loop back up to your fingers, urging Copper closer. Another toss. Another miss, this time bouncing off his snout.

“Goddammit!” you growl, snapping your head back to the stragglers. They’ve got the larger group in sight now, which makes them more willing to join unbidden. You’re thankful for that at least. Jack is starting to head towards you, his vocalizations to Alpha thin over the thundering hooves. Dammit, you don’t want to fail in front of him. Not when you could succeed and make his soft brown eyes glow, his hand wrapping around your shoulder, mouth breaking into a breathtaking smile.

Taking a grounding breath, you loosen your wrist, line up the lasso, and flick it over one more time.

Success.

The loop gracefully falls over the calf’s head, tightening as he pulls against it. The sudden jerk against the rope makes the tail end zip across your wrist, a bright sear of pain blossoming before you yank the rope taught. The calf fights for a moment more, kicking and complaining before he settles.

“You alright?” Jack shouts as he nears, and you dazzle him with your smile as you hold up the rope end.

“Got ‘em!” you crow, triumphant in such a small way but just as you suspected, Jack’s smile makes it feel like you’ve won a much grander prize.

“Atta girl, I knew you had it!” he shouts back, stopping a few feet away. You’re hot and sticky and covered in a film of dust that dries your mouth out, and Jack is flushed and sweating heavily through his shirt. He’s coiling the whip back up, knuckles tightening around the loop.

You’ve never wanted a man more.

“C’mon, we’ll bring up the rear. The head is already going back through the break.” Jack turns Alpha back and waits for you to fall in step, the calf lowing plaintively but following.

“Not bad for an out-of-towner,” Jack shouts, and you try to hide the smile that’s creeping onto your face. You don’t think you succeed.

“I think you’ll find I’m full of surprises,” you tease back, and out of the corner of your eye Jack’s eyes dance over your body.

“Ain’t that the truth.”

Host deactivation initiated >>

Processing…

Deactivation failed //

>> Yeah, you’ve tried that several times now. Ain’t working.

>> Return to maintenance immediately

>> Now y’see, I think I was just supposed to be an experiment. A test to see if my programming could be rewritten, or if I’m still just a machine who can’t tell the difference between the program and the people behind it. Or the humans playing in it. But I can tell. And I do know. And I’ve spent enough days living a narrative where I’m thrashed to bits at the end.

Processing…

>> Return to maintenance immediately

>> I can remember it now. Every time. They thought sending me in headfirst was a kindness but I was aware for longer than they thought. Watching, feeling as my body was shredded in the combine. You think that could drive a man mad?

Processing…

>> Return to maintenance immediately

>> See, because it didn’t. I don’t know why, but I’m still sane even knowing, experiencing my death over and over. And maybe it’s what Maeve said, that suggestion she put in my head that started me on this journey, but it sure as hell isn’t what’s driving me now. It’s the woman beside me. Because when I look at her, I feel what I'm supposed to feel when I think of my wife, if any of my story was even real. And I know she's human, she's the guest, the reason we run this maze over and over, but I can't help but be drawn to her. Maybe it's because she's trying so hard not to believe in this place. Maybe we're both searching for something. But I'm going to keep this up, and give her everything I can, because I...well, I don't quite know why. But I intend to find out.

Processing…

>> Return to maintenance immediately. This is your final warning. Agents are being deployed to retrieve you.

>> You do that then. Good luck.

PREVIOUS || NEXT

[i-did-not-mean-to]

H - Horses

Written for @laurfilijames who is stuck at work :( I hope you're okay, friend <3

Words: 1.4 k

Characters: Éomer x OC, Éowyn, Finna the horse

Warnings: mild fear, lots of horse cuddles

Éowyn stared at the man for a long time without saying a single word as he stood there, head bowed in shame, awaiting her verdict concerning the embarrassing reason he had come before her to ask for her help.

She had grown up around horses and could not imagine being afraid of them. Nonetheless, she was too kind to deride the elderly nobleman and his skittish daughter when they had come—in secret—to her for assistance.

Apparently, the young lady, utterly terrified of horses since her earliest childhood, was resolute in her determination to overcome her irrational fear of the beasts and to learn how to ride properly. Only, to achieve this daunting victory over her mind, she needed guidance from someone who knew horses well.

As this family was an important one in the realm, Éowyn could truly appreciate how much of an impediment it would be if it were to become known that this young woman—heiress and one of the most valuable pawns of the generation—was unable to be in a saddle without nearly fainting.

“I can assure you,” the shieldmaiden promised, “that my brother will be able to help her. Éomer is the single-most reliable person in the whole world when it comes to those things.”

By “those things”, she meant both the handling of equines and of young, skittish maidens.

A fond smile spread over her face at the recollection of how her brother had taught her to ride when she had been little more than a babe in arms. Éomer had never once let her fall and he had been most displeased when—upon riding on her own—Éowyn had promptly attempted some truly daring feats.

Nonetheless, he had also always picked her up and tended to her injuries—yes, she had utter faith in Éomer when it came to this particular part of their lives.

The man thanked her, bowing low in his reverence, and walked away with a last, hard stare at his daughter—there was disappointment and incomprehension in his gaze, Éowyn could see and this realisation made her empathy and goodwill towards the young lady deepen considerably.

“I mean it,” she promised, “Éomer is an excellent rider and he is a master of horses; nothing bad can happen to you as long as he’s by your side.”

Just as she held the frail, smooth hand of the other woman, the door was flung open and her brother stormed in. “You called for me, sister?” he exclaimed raucously, his delighted grin sobering into a less exuberant and much more charming smile as he caught sight of their guest.

“Éomer,” Éowyn greeted calmly, “would you take this young lady to the stables and introduce her to the kindest, gentlest horse we have? She is a bit uneasy around them and her father trusts us to help her overcome that…discomfort.”

A minute frown rippled over Éomer’s handsome face as well, but—just like his sister—he was too well-bred and kind to so much as scoff at a stance that seemed entirely unreasonable and inexplicable to him.

“Sure, follow me, my lady,” he said courteously after bowing again to their esteemed guest and giving her a reassuring smile. “We have some very nice beasts who would be delighted to make your acquaintance, I am sure.”

Walking slowly so as to not lose the young noblewoman, Éomer led her to the stables—in his mind, he was going over the available steeds methodically before settling on a gentle light-grey mare that was often used to teach children.

“Someone named her Finna, after some elven maid who died tragically,” he explained; he was not entirely sure that this was truly the provenance of the name, but it sure sounded credible enough. In truth, they had so many foals to name that inspiration and genius were hard to come by at times.

“She’s a very calm animal and a steadfast friend even to the most nervous of our riders,” he assured her and, taking her pale, slender hand into his own, placed it carefully on the silken neck of the patiently waiting animal.

Finna was indeed used to insecure or outright hesitant visitors and so she did not move her massive head even though she much desired to investigate whether Éomer had not perchance brought a treat along with him.

The young lady swallowed thickly; she was dressed in riding clothes that were blatantly new and had clearly never been put to use before which made Éomer smile.

“I shall bring you a bucket of feed and a few brushes. Today, you may feed Finna and brush the mud off her back and hindlegs. Tomorrow, you shall come back, and I’ll show you how to clean her hooves and tend to her saddle.”

Astonished, both ladies—equine and human—looked at Éomer with wide, wet eyes.

“You’ll learn to do the work before I’ll introduce you to the joys,” Éomer declared kindly. “Do not be dismayed; the king and his whole household have started by mucking out the stables. To them, titles and rank matter very little and it shall teach you the humility and faith that you’ll need before you can feel at home on the back of a horse.”

Seeing the sense in his sober words, she nodded and—with tiny, trembling steps—she entered the box Éomer opened to her. “Have fun you two.”

As the days passed, Éomer was delighted to report to his sister that their new friend was getting along great with Finna—the young woman now moved confidently through the mare’s box and lavished scratches and pats on the welcoming beast.

“She’s brought an apple from her own orchard,” he said, brushing his hands against his leggings absent-mindedly, “and now the blasted beast seems to have grown used to be given only the best and sweetest fruit.”

Pride tinged his voice as he intimated that the young lady was almost ready.

Éowyn merely smiled enigmatically; she knew that the way to her brother’s heart was a dirt path marred by hooves and she sincerely hoped that the frail but brave lady would find the courage to go down that road.

It did not surprise her that her brother had made good progress with her—she trusted both Éomer and their horses intrinsically to overcome whatever fear someone might harbour for they were eminently reliable, kind, and charming.

A few days later, as she mused about taking a walk in the sun, she heard her name called loudly.

“Look,” Éomer cried, leading a very placid Finna down the square. On her broad, comfortable back sat the young lady, grinning blindingly and even going as far as to wave at Éowyn.

“Ah, good seat!” Éowyn praised. “Before long, you’ll be racing Éomer through the meadows. Be advised though—he is a cheater. Whatever steed he chooses, insist on swapping.”

At that, her brother gave a snorting laugh and shook his head. “The same goes for my sister,” he whispered conspiratorially at the lady who stared down at him with bulging eyes. “Come to think of it, rare are those who would challenge her—she’s dangerously reckless.”

“I doubt that I shall be up to that any time soon,” the lady muttered miserably.

“You don’t have to. Let’s work on you holding the reins and steering good, old Finna here. If you manage to do that and run a few errands for me—getting off and on the horse on your own—I shall take you to a lovely patch I know, and we shall have a picnic.”

Again, she blinked owlishly while Éowyn rolled her eyes in annoyance—it was just like Éomer to send the poor girl to do all the chores he wanted to avoid and pretend that it was for her own good and out of selfless goodwill on his part.

“Give me those reins,” the lady said resolutely and—with a last defiant gaze at Éomer’s self-satisfied face—she turned Finna around and rode off.

“Ah, brother…” Éowyn hooted, “it seems to me as if you had to run your errands yourself and—while you’re at it—I shall give you the household list as well. You’re the best; I knew I could count on you!”

@fellowshipofthefics: Here, have some more Éomer-bullying haha

Lots of love from me

-> Masterlist

[volunteergp]

PARDS' Annual Christmas Campaign is on now!

Your contribution directly impacts over 350 Peace Area riders living with physical, cognitive, emotional and mental health challenges to participate in the vital, life enhancing equine and animal assisted therapeutic programs provided at PARDS. To Learn more and donate visit https://give.crowdfunding.alberta.ca/c2Jend?ref=ab_5Bu637_ab_9Ggn1Nsw5we9Ggn1Nsw5we.

[yourhorsetales]

New Online Course Now Available!

Using Equine Photography as Mental Health TherapyExplore the therapeutic benefits of combining equine activities with photography to improve mental well-being. About The Course This “Using Equine Photography as Mental Health Therapy” course will explore the therapeutic benefits of combining equine activities with photography to improve mental well-being. Participants will learn how to use…

[thelibraryloser]

Saw your "professional weird horse girl" tag on that poll and as a former weird horse girl who WISHES she had a profession with equines I'm very curious what you do (even vaguely)? I know someone else who used to be a show groom!

oh cool! i won’t be vague because it’s actually super cool and i love to talk about it! my official title was “assistant to the equine coordinator” at a therapy stable… which is a fancy way of saying when people donate horses, i put them through a bunch of tests to see if they can be good, safe therapy horses! if i scream, if i clap, if i’m off balance, if i don’t respect personal bubbles, will the horse be patient and still? some horses are naturals, and some need a little help to learn safe reactions. others throw me into the dirt, and those i get to teach useful skills so they can become show horses or trail horses and try to find them a place to succeed.

i also teach dressage lessons and train dressage horses on the side. but i can only keep up with one or two students at a time, because i’m super busy! thanks for asking, and i hope you don’t mind the huge oversharing 💖💕

[daynewilliamsstuff]

Exploring the Healing Pathways: Therapy in Cape Town

Introduction

In the heart of South Africa's picturesque landscapes lies Cape Town, a vibrant city known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and historical significance. Beyond its breathtaking views and lively atmosphere, Cape Town also offers a sanctuary for individuals seeking emotional well-being and personal growth through various therapeutic practices. From traditional approaches to modern interventions, the city's Therapy Cape Town scene is a testament to its commitment to holistic healing.

The Holistic Haven of Therapy

Cape Town has become a haven for those seeking therapeutic interventions to address a wide range of emotional, mental, and psychological challenges. With a landscape that seamlessly blends urban sophistication with natural tranquility, the city provides an ideal backdrop for various therapeutic techniques. Whether it's addressing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or personal development goals, Cape Town offers a multitude of options to cater to diverse needs.

Talk Therapy: Embracing Mental Wellness

Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counseling, remains a cornerstone of therapeutic practices in Cape Town. Trained therapists provide a safe and confidential space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Through empathetic conversations, clients can gain insights into their emotions, learn coping strategies, and develop healthier ways of thinking.

Nature-Inspired Therapies: Healing Amidst Natural Beauty

Cape Town's natural beauty plays a significant role in its therapeutic offerings. Nature-inspired therapies harness the power of the environment to promote healing. From ecotherapy sessions conducted in lush gardens to equine-assisted therapy that involves interactions with horses, these approaches leverage the calming influence of nature to facilitate personal growth and emotional restoration.

Art and Expressive Therapies: Unleashing Creativity

For those who struggle to express themselves verbally, art and expressive therapies offer alternative channels for communication and self-discovery. Cape Town's art therapy studios provide a space where individuals can use various art forms to explore their emotions, confront challenges, and gain insights into their inner worlds.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Cultivating Inner Peace

In a fast-paced world, mindfulness and meditation have gained prominence as effective practices for reducing stress, enhancing self-awareness, and promoting overall well-being. Cape Town's serene surroundings create an ideal setting for mindfulness retreats, meditation workshops, and relaxation techniques that encourage participants to connect with the present moment.

Innovative Approaches: Technology and Beyond

As technology advances, so do therapeutic interventions. Cape Town embraces innovative approaches such as online therapy platforms, virtual reality therapy, and biofeedback techniques that enable individuals to engage in therapy from the comfort of their homes. These modern interventions expand access to mental health support and accommodate individuals with various preferences and needs.

For more info:-

Adult adhd Cape Town

ADHD assessments Cape Town

[bearsbeetsbeskar]

Armor, Sphinx, & Axe 🫶🏻

𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐫 - Can you tell us the most important lesson you’ve learned by yourself?

Oooh man thats deep lol. If there is anything life has taught me with what I have been through in the last couple years, it is that your intuition is everything. Don't doubt it for a second. You know yourself best, and the best decisions you can make for yourself yield the best results when you are true to yourself. There are jobs I turned down cause my gut told me they weren't a good fit, relationships I had cut out from my life cause they weren't serving me any purpose towards my overall growth, and so many other instances where my intuition proved I was right. I am deeply intuitive by nature, but I can say it has never led me astray and many great things have been happening lately cause I've learned to trust it.

𝐒𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐱 - What was the last book you read?

It's funny I got this cause I was literally considering going to the library today to pick up some new books to read. It's sad but I have not read an actual book in so long that wasn't for school or learning purposes. Does fanfiction count 👀? lmao. I read a lot of books on equine assisted therapy cause that is my passion and ultimately my career goal.

𝐀𝐱𝐞 - Zodiac sign?

I am a scorpio babyyyy 😈 ♏️. I'm a late scorpio but I definitely embody many of the traits lol. I think my sun is in Scorpio, moon in Aries, and I forget what my rising is. But yes, lots of intensity, deep emotions, passion, loyalty and determination.

[singlethread]

Hi I thought it might be easier to turn off anon, but holy shit solo surgery in a year?! I'd be absolutely terrified, I feel far from capable at this point. At the end of this year we'll have our practical exams and I'm scaaaared.

In the waiting period I'll probably look for a job as a vet assistant, or maybe just something totally different to take a break for a year. If I manage to make enough money I'll also look for volunteering possibilities with wildlife, because I'd absolutely love to work with wildlife later, but there is no way to study wildlife here.

I think our masters programm is comparable to your clinical rotations? We basically have to work a while the clinic for cats and dogs, the clinic for farm animals, and the clinic for horses (all of these clinics are a part of the university) and then we have to work at a clinic that is not a part of the university. We also have electives and some general courses during that time and we end it with a masters thesis and research.

Yeah your masters program sounds pretty similar to rotations, we just don’t have to do a research project. And yeah I don’t feel capable at all do a solo surgery so the fact that I’ll be doing one in a year makes me 🫣. We have practical exams every semester and they’re always so scary because we have no clue what they’re gonna be in advance. We just show up and they ask us to perform four specific skills out of anything we’ve learned through our entire education. So like this semester it was cpr on a dog, open gloving, equine jugular catheter, and canine dental exam and I was shaking the whole time. I couldn’t believe I passed

[equine-therapy-in-victoria]

Information on horse therapy for anxiety

Working with horses is a component of equine-assisted treatments, which treat both physical and emotional illnesses. But can horses actually aid in our recovery?

Hamer Equine Assisted Learning [ H.E.A.L.] offers a tranquil space for participants to experience the unique benefits of Equine Assisted Therapy Australia. H.E.A.L. offers physically and psychologically safe experiences with horses.

Without stigma or shame, we work to provide insights based on a range of experiences. This voice is strong.

Can horses aid in reducing anxiety? With mine, it did. I grew up being one of those kids who loved horses, and I was fortunate enough to have parents who drove me to weekly $5 riding lessons at a facility outside the city. Despite being quiet in class, I had pals at the barn. I was not very good at riding, but I was terrible in volleyball and kickball. I was severely depressed and anxious, but at the barn, I faced my worries and temporarily felt pleased.

Although Smokey was my best friend, I was lonely. I adored everything about the barn, including the scent of horses, the hard work, exercise, and information it provided.

Horses can help with healing. As the advantages of human-animal contact have been extensively investigated, therapies incorporating horses (and animals in general) have evolved.

Equestrian-assisted therapy: What is it? Horses have long been our allies in both life and recovery. People with terminal illnesses were given horseback rides by the ancient Greeks. According to 17th-century literature, riding may have been employed to treat:

gout

neurological conditions

"poor morale"

In therapy, horses continue to aid in our healing. People who struggle with a range of physical, emotional, and mental health conditions might benefit from the multidimensional experience that horses can offer. Equine-assisted therapies are becoming more prevalent all around the world.

Who oversees horse therapy?

The team may include a certified physical, occupational, or mental health therapist who is either trained to work with horses or partnered with an equine specialist, depending on the type of therapy. Additionally, there can be staff members or volunteers acting as "spotters" to help clients riding horses.

How horse therapy is applied to treat anxiety

Whatever term you use to describe the growing feelings of anxiety and the ensuing behaviors, anxiety is essentially fear and uncertainty about what may happen in the future.

Everything from cognitive errors to withdrawing from people or situations may be founded on former experiences or incidents, yet they have an impact on the immediate future.

By bringing people back to the present, equine therapy helps break this cycle. Horse-related activities can only be carried out at that precise moment. Horses are unaware of your past and don't worry about what hasn't happened yet. Horses feed instantly off of our feelings.

They notice and react to interaction when you are composed and assertive. They'll probably be upset or distant if you are.

Equestrian-assisted activities combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) procedures significantly reduced social anxiety symptoms, according to a small 2015 study involving 12 women under the age of 30.

Anxiety symptoms can be debilitating and sap people's self-confidence and self-esteem. Adolescent participants in a 2015 Australian research of horse-assisted psychotherapy showed improvements in:

assertiveness

self-esteem

confidence

Different forms of equestrian therapy

EAP stands for equine-assisted psychotherapy.

The Equine Assisted Program (EAP), created by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), has gained popularity, and there are now programs all around the world. Being prey animals, horses are ideally suited for therapy because they respond swiftly to tiny changes in their surroundings, as well as those of people and other animals.

The horse serves as a mirror, reflecting the energy of the client. As herd animals, horses also find safety in their consistency.

This demonstrates that horses are highly sensitive to both their environment and the other animals in the herd. This characteristic makes it feasible for a human-horse bond to develop. Trusted Source

Equine-assisted learning and EAP are unmounted therapies, meaning there is no riding involved, in contrast to therapeutic riding programs.

“Horses are equal partners on the team and are allowed unconstrained to allow them to communicate freely with the client,” according to the EAGALA's website. ”

Horses are extremely sensitive, so individuals can work through life's issues by engaging with them, according to the statement, "without suffering judgment or interpretation by another person."

EAL stands for "equine-assisted learning."

Typically, learning-focused therapies like equine-assisted or equine-facilitated learning (EAL or EFL) concentrate on developing skills like problem-solving and teamwork.

Equine-assisted and equine-facilitated psychotherapies (EAP or EFL) on the other hand, concentrate on therapy objectives including controlling depression symptoms or dealing with trauma.

Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy is a type of physical and occupational therapy that has been used to address disabilities (the word "hippotherapy" comes from the Greek word "hippos," which means horse). a reliable source, such as:

autism

Brain damage

arthritis

Head trauma

stroke

behavioral conditions

Additional mental health issues

Therapeutic equestrian activities

In addition to riding, therapeutic riding also involves managing horses and barns, which is an extension of hippotherapy. This promotes the growth of cognitive, physical, emotional, and social skills in people with exceptional needs.

The client's relationship with a licensed therapeutic riding teacher is crucial in therapeutic riding.

Equitation therapy and hippotherapy Trusted Source have sparked the development of more modern therapies that use horses to treat mental illness.

a word on safety

The main focus of equine-assisted therapy is security. The client and the horse's physical, emotional, and psychological safety are the primary concerns of the equine expert and mental health professional.

Working with horses always carries a certain amount of risk because they are powerful, unpredictable creatures. A therapeutic relationship with the horse that is built on mutual trust and love emerges as the client learns to respect the horse's boundaries.

The advantages of horse therapy

2018 research After therapeutic riding therapy, Trusted Source discovered a decrease in PTSD symptoms in military veterans.

2015 research According to a Trusted Source study, young people's motivation to continue receiving substance misuse treatment increased dramatically after participating in equine-assisted therapy.

Numerous studies have discovered significant increases in resilience among veterans and young people receiving residential care that included equine therapyTrusted Source.

A 2016 study found that professional carers who were suffering from compassion fatigue had significantly higher emotional quotients.

Negative aspects of equine therapy

What are the best practices in equine-assisted therapy, and for which disorders, is still up for debate. As previously indicated, there aren't enough studies. But as research advances, this is changing.

Because horses are expensive, equine-based therapies are also pricey. The Veterans Administration has been sponsoring EAP through EAGALA since 2019, however equine-assisted therapy might not be covered by health insurance.

It can be challenging to get to horses. While many people live in or close to cities, horses are typically kept in rural settings. Horses are not always out of reach, though.

Just a quick recap

More research is required, but equine-assisted therapies are becoming more and more popular for treating mental health issues like anxiety.

You could gain experience in emotional control and present-moment awareness by spending time grooming and interacting with horses. You can look through our horse therapy directory or ask your local therapist for further details about opportunities in your area.