You can’t help but feel excited and anticipate a great time as you arrive for your equine therapy session, even if it’s also a little nerve-wracking to think about.. You’ve heard great things about the programme and are eager to learn more.
The session leader and safety officer greet you and introduce you to the horse or horses you’ll be working with. According to the session leader, the horse has been specially selected and trained to be used in therapy sessions and is very gentle and easy to work with.
The session leader begins by having you groom and brush the horse. This is an excellent way to get to know the horse and form a bond with it. You’ll learn how to properly groom the horse, such as brushing its mane and tail and possibly cleaning its hooves.
Following that, you’ll learn how to guide the horse around the arena. The session leader will teach you how to communicate with the horse through body language and vocalisation. You’ll learn how to walk alongside the horse, change directions, and stop and start.
After you’ve mastered the fundamentals, the session leader will have you work on some exercises. These exercises are intended to assist you in achieving your objectives. And you’ll be having a gentle conversation at your own pace the entire time.
As you work with the horse, you’ll notice that you’re becoming more relaxed and at ease. The gentle presence and calm energy of the horse is soothing and aids in the reduction of stress and anxiety.
The session leader will also help you build trust and communication with the horse. This is an important aspect of equine therapy because it can help you improve your communication skills with others in your life.
As you work with the horse, you’ll find yourself laughing and having a good time. The horse’s playful and inquisitive nature will have you smiling and laughing as you work with it.
As the session comes to a close, you’ll feel refreshed and rejuvenated. You feel more relaxed, balanced, and at ease as a result of your time spent working with the horse. You’ll leave the session feeling like you’ve accomplished something and eager to return for more.
Overall, equine therapy is a pleasurable and rewarding experience. The gentle presence of the horse, the physical and emotional exercises, and the sense of accomplishment you feel at the end of the session all contribute to a truly enriching experience. You’ll feel more connected to yourself and others after the session, and you’ll look forward to the next one.
You can find out more about our equine therapy services here.
Read a bit more about equine therapy on Wikipedia.