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Fee
Platinum Member
2601 Posts |
 Posted - 13 Oct 2014 : 7:00:52 PM
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Having a random chat with someone at work lead me to a local person who uses her horses for therapy. I was interested to know more about this and would love my herd to help others if they could.
Upshot is I contacted and visited her and she came out to meet the herd. Not sure where it will all lead but wondered if any of you have experience of having, giving or learning about this area?
Fee
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debs
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3218 Posts |
Posted - 13 Oct 2014 : 7:32:26 PM
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Only that Ali baba is my therapy....  its a lovely thought.... When I first got him he wasn't the sweet thing his is now, but I remember a friend came up with her little girl, bit of a loner, been bullied, she went into the field threw her arms round him and stayed like that for ages! No biting! And he was a devil! Even super sweet with neighbours vile children! Much nicer to them than I am 
Everyone should have a contact with animals....and if animals don't like them there is usually a reason why! Jmo |
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Fee
Platinum Member
2601 Posts |
Posted - 14 Oct 2014 : 2:32:41 PM
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I had a similar experience Debs. When I first got Jinny she was highly aggressive, so you can imagine my anxiety when a friends child came visiting. But I got the shock of my life, this little ferocious pony turned all soft and gooey eyed at the little girl. That got me thinking about this.
I too agree all mine are my therapy. Especially so with my job (teacher) I find that what the children drain out of me in a day the horses replenish. So in the cycle it is actually the horses giving to the children which I find lovely. They can also work wonders with aspergers children, an area I'm really interested in. All food for thought.
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Callisto
Platinum Member
6905 Posts |
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Fee
Platinum Member
2601 Posts |
Posted - 14 Oct 2014 : 4:54:13 PM
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Wow! That was an amazing speech! Can't believe I missed that. Absolutely spot on everything she says 
Thanks for linking that.
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Callisto
Platinum Member
6905 Posts |
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Ari
Platinum Member
1657 Posts |
Posted - 15 Oct 2014 : 8:02:21 PM
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A lady at my yard has a lovely son who has not only benefited from riding and being around horses but has gained confidence from interacting with us "horsey" folk who by nature are all a caring and accepting bunch of people.
Linda, thanks for the link that speech is moving and very true.
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Sharea
Silver Member
United Kingdom
289 Posts |
Posted - 15 Oct 2014 : 8:16:39 PM
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You may find this interesting: http://eponaquest.com/
Yes, my ponies are real therapy for me.
A truly moving post Callisto, thanks. |
Edited by - Sharea on 15 Oct 2014 8:49:32 PM |
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FireLight
Gold Member
620 Posts |
Posted - 16 Oct 2014 : 10:17:50 AM
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| I have been a volunteer for our local RDA group for the last 12 years. The amazing relationships I have seen between horse and person has made me cry at times. The most recent one - a little boy of 10 who had never spoken a word and when I asked him who he wanted to ride, he always pointed to Bramble. Then one week he pointed and said Bramble. To say we were all amazed and emotional was an understatement. His mum was overjoyed. He hasn't spoken since but will say Bramble. It certainly makes you think. |
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mazey
Gold Member
England
501 Posts |
Posted - 16 Oct 2014 : 5:54:56 PM
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Hi, I have just read Rupert Isaacsons book The Long Ride Home (follow on to The Horse Boy). He talks about the therapy centre he set up in the States and the offshoots in this country. Google Horse Boy Foundation for info. I think it is fascinating but not at all surprising that people are getting really positive results from using horses in therapeutic relationships, particularly with kids on the autistic spectrum.
Some people I know near me in Penzance have set up an equine assisted therapy centre and are doing a lot of work with adults with alcohol/drug issues, as well as learning disabilities and mental health conditions. The horses do have to be well trained though! |
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Pasch
Platinum Member
2277 Posts |
Posted - 16 Oct 2014 : 8:02:06 PM
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We have two interesting examples in Italy of how horses can be therapeutic for adults,too.
One is the San Patrignano community,this is a drug rehab program started many years ago by one guy and managed now by his son.Horses and their care are at the centre of the rehabilitation program for drug addicts young and old.It worked so well that now horses from their breeding program are some of the best warmbloods in Italy,and their SJ international event is one of the best (I think there has been some downsizing recently but not sure).Many of the ex drug addicts there became excellent grooms or opened their own yard.
Then there is a prison that has taken some horses (rescues and ex racers) they live in the prison (there is a big open space ) and prisoners have to take care of them,apparently with very good results as it give them responsibility,teaches them a job (some have already gone out to find a job with horses) and they love the relationship with the horse.
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Goldenmane
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4964 Posts |
Posted - 17 Oct 2014 : 5:57:34 PM
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My foster children, always supervised, blossom with my horses, fresh air, outdoors, giving hay and splashing in mud. I have to say my Arab is always the most patient.
Edited to say and that is without the therapy my horses give me. |
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Edited by - Goldenmane on 17 Oct 2014 5:59:12 PM |
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suyents
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
1651 Posts |
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Horses used for therapy
Zahkira (GR Amaretto x Taffetta)
