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.
This concept has really taken hold. There are certified retreat centers in many places - 250 or more in North America alone. It is part 'corporate team building', part 'get away from the rat race', part therapeutic riding, and all about learning your strengths, facing your fears, and finding peace. People can do it as individuals or as part of a group.
The idea of a retreat involving horses grew out of the therapeutic riding programs begun in the 60s. While helping people with disabilities enjoy riding and being around horses and ponies, therapists saw more than physical improvement. A child confined to a wheelchair could experience free movement when partnered with a horse. In addition to gaining in balance, core strength, and motor skills, the child could see the world in a new way - not from knee-high to everyone else.
Even beyond the physical possibilities, therapists were struck by the emotional and mental benefits of the program. As the old adage says, they discovered that 'the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man'. Horses were able to connect to their riders in ways that counselors or even family members were unable to do.
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.
People with anxiety issues, who suffer from depression, who are unable to form and keep relationships, or who have lost hope come to retreats. There they connect with nature, see beautiful scenery, and interact with gentle, magnificent horses. Some places also have dogs, cats, chickens, sheep, or other friendly animals. City dwellers may never have known the peace of the countryside.
Business executives find relief from the challenges and stress of over-work. People who feel inadequate grow as they learn to work with a massive but willing animal partner. Some centers use meditation techniques, but most rely simply on working with horses to help people learn to know themselves. The goal is to refresh, release, and renew, and person after person finds that it works.
'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.
This concept has really taken hold. There are certified retreat centers in many places - 250 or more in North America alone. It is part 'corporate team building', part 'get away from the rat race', part therapeutic riding, and all about learning your strengths, facing your fears, and finding peace. People can do it as individuals or as part of a group.
The idea of a retreat involving horses grew out of the therapeutic riding programs begun in the 60s. While helping people with disabilities enjoy riding and being around horses and ponies, therapists saw more than physical improvement. A child confined to a wheelchair could experience free movement when partnered with a horse. In addition to gaining in balance, core strength, and motor skills, the child could see the world in a new way - not from knee-high to everyone else.
Even beyond the physical possibilities, therapists were struck by the emotional and mental benefits of the program. As the old adage says, they discovered that 'the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man'. Horses were able to connect to their riders in ways that counselors or even family members were unable to do.
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.
People with anxiety issues, who suffer from depression, who are unable to form and keep relationships, or who have lost hope come to retreats. There they connect with nature, see beautiful scenery, and interact with gentle, magnificent horses. Some places also have dogs, cats, chickens, sheep, or other friendly animals. City dwellers may never have known the peace of the countryside.
Business executives find relief from the challenges and stress of over-work. People who feel inadequate grow as they learn to work with a massive but willing animal partner. Some centers use meditation techniques, but most rely simply on working with horses to help people learn to know themselves. The goal is to refresh, release, and renew, and person after person finds that it works.
'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.
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