The term 'equine therapy retreat' does not refer to a hospital or rehab center for horses. Equine therapy retreats are places of great serenity where people go to connect with nature and a horse. In doing so, they are restored and refreshed - and in the process of becoming so learn a lot about themselves.
There are over 250 centers with certification for this kind of therapy in North America. The program incorporates great natural beauty and a farm or ranch experience with sessions when people work with horses in controlled circumstances. Both individuals and groups can schedule retreats. Working with horses helps people resolve personal issues, face hidden fears, and learn to work to their strengths.
In the 1960's in America, people began therapeutic riding programs for children and adults with disabilities. There are many physical benefits from riding a horse. Participants see improvement in balance, core strength, posture, and motor and sensory skills. Autistic children who have trouble bonding with even their parents often communicate with a pony. Kids who live in a wheelchair can see the world from the perspective of someone who can stand. The action of a horse moves the spine of its rider in a manner similar to natural walking.
It didn't take therapists long to realize that the mental and emotional benefits were as profound, if not more so, than the physical. This truth existed before, of course. An old saying states that 'The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man'.
People build walls against a hurtful world. They hide behind social or professional masks. They fail to try because of past failures. Horses seem to intuitively respond to the real person, to hidden tensions or fear or to aggression, and people have to change to succeed with them. Horses are also willing to forgive and quick to react to firm kindness. Successfully guiding a horse is a wonderful experience to someone who lacks self-confidence.
Anxiety, depression, self-doubt, inability to relate, and even despair yield to an atmosphere of peace and the presence of horses. Horses are prey animals, so they have to be alert and sensitive to their surroundings. However, they choose to trust people, and this can have a profound effect on someone who has closed the door to human relationships and lost hope in the future.
Business executive, young professionals, older people finding retirement stifling, or children who are afraid of life can all benefit from the skills of the therapists and the allure of the horses. Some centers encourage meditation and intentional self-examination. Others, however, rely on the simple tasks of a ranch and caring for a horse to help people understand the issues that are defeating them in life. Horses seem to have an intuition about people that penetrates any mask or disguise.
'Hippotherapy' is getting rave reviews from those who have tried it and found it life changing. Go online to find centers in Colorado, North Carolina, or England. Read about how people surrender their goals, objectives, and personal agendas to engage in the present with a horse, a prey animal who is willing to trust them implicitly.
There are over 250 centers with certification for this kind of therapy in North America. The program incorporates great natural beauty and a farm or ranch experience with sessions when people work with horses in controlled circumstances. Both individuals and groups can schedule retreats. Working with horses helps people resolve personal issues, face hidden fears, and learn to work to their strengths.
In the 1960's in America, people began therapeutic riding programs for children and adults with disabilities. There are many physical benefits from riding a horse. Participants see improvement in balance, core strength, posture, and motor and sensory skills. Autistic children who have trouble bonding with even their parents often communicate with a pony. Kids who live in a wheelchair can see the world from the perspective of someone who can stand. The action of a horse moves the spine of its rider in a manner similar to natural walking.
It didn't take therapists long to realize that the mental and emotional benefits were as profound, if not more so, than the physical. This truth existed before, of course. An old saying states that 'The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man'.
People build walls against a hurtful world. They hide behind social or professional masks. They fail to try because of past failures. Horses seem to intuitively respond to the real person, to hidden tensions or fear or to aggression, and people have to change to succeed with them. Horses are also willing to forgive and quick to react to firm kindness. Successfully guiding a horse is a wonderful experience to someone who lacks self-confidence.
Anxiety, depression, self-doubt, inability to relate, and even despair yield to an atmosphere of peace and the presence of horses. Horses are prey animals, so they have to be alert and sensitive to their surroundings. However, they choose to trust people, and this can have a profound effect on someone who has closed the door to human relationships and lost hope in the future.
Business executive, young professionals, older people finding retirement stifling, or children who are afraid of life can all benefit from the skills of the therapists and the allure of the horses. Some centers encourage meditation and intentional self-examination. Others, however, rely on the simple tasks of a ranch and caring for a horse to help people understand the issues that are defeating them in life. Horses seem to have an intuition about people that penetrates any mask or disguise.
'Hippotherapy' is getting rave reviews from those who have tried it and found it life changing. Go online to find centers in Colorado, North Carolina, or England. Read about how people surrender their goals, objectives, and personal agendas to engage in the present with a horse, a prey animal who is willing to trust them implicitly.
About the Author:
You can find details about the benefits of receiving equine therapy and more info about equine therapy retreats at http://www.horsesenseandthehumanheart.com right now.