Equine Assisted Practice
Equine Assisted Practice

  One of the main principles of Natural Horsemanship to which we subscribe here at Drogheda Manor Horsemanship, is the principle that humans teach horses and horses teach humans.  For a long time many people have realized the therapeutic value of interacting with horses when done properly.  Early on at our facility we realized that there was something else going on with our clients besides the learning of horsemanship skills.

  The emphasis on developing a relationship and then a partnership and finally true unity with a horse was having an added benefit.  Many of our clients were experiencing profound personal changes in dealing with many personal issues in their lives as well as having an amazing experience with a truly wonderful animal.  There was an obvious value in applying the principles of natural horsemanship, in particular the unique way in which Parelli Natural Horsemanship developed their seven games with horses to help people understand the psychology behind the training of horses. 

  These game became not only tools for the training of horses, but also for student development as well.  The Friendly game became more than a way to boost confidence in horses, but also helped students build trust, observation, and empathy.  The Porcupine Game helped students learn the value of fucus and sensitivity.  The four phases of friendly firmness became a powerful tool to teach students anger management, and how to deal with bullying issues etc.  Concepts of cause/allow instead of make/let, "mirror and match", and the reframing of problems into puzzles helped students clarify basic concepts.  We soon started receiving feedback from parents that their children were becoming better at handling personal conflicts such as bullying, etc. as well as improved confidence and school performance.

  We started to recognize the importance in teaching our clients the value of the psychology and body language.  The lessons in horsemanship based on building a relationship with the horse was helping students step outside their own comfort zone and break through multiple barriers.

  As their horses responded to the students training, the students learned to adapt, experiment and change in real time.  It was allowing students to develop new social, behavioural and cognitive skills while learning to take initiatives, solve puzzles, experiment and take responsibility.  Students learned how to identify patterns of behaviour, build healthy relationships, set boundaries and communicate more clearly.

  In some circles this is known as "EQUINE ASSISTED PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION". As a result of being in a successful relationship with a horse, we have observed the powerful things that happen to student/teacher, parent/child, supervisor/employee relationship.

  Giving people of all ages the opportunity to bring horses and humans together in a new, productive and healing way is incredibly exciting for us.
 
   Equine Assisted Therapy has more to do with a personal committment by the student  to lifelong personal self improvement.  Many of our clients have achieved amazing transformations.

   Hope, Vision, Action is the slogan we try to live by here at Drogheda Manor Horsemanship.  HOPE - for a better future for both human and horse,  VISION - help humans realize their dreams with horses and in their personal lives, ACTION - Carry out the necessary plan to provide a place where humans and horses can come together in harmony.

  If you want to learn more about Equine Assisted Practices go to www.HorseSenseBusiness.com