Horses are peers. Horses can become our friends and connect with us in a remarkable way. They can feel our emotions and share their strength with us. A horse was formerly ‘broken’ by a trainer, using force to subdue it so it could be ridden and used for chores or pleasure. New techniques such as ‘starting’ bring an inherent respect to the animal’s personality and uses kindness and empathy to create a bond between the horse and rider.
In today’s mental health environment more enlightened models such as strength-based and person-centered approaches have attempted to replace a predominantly clinical model which can help the peer specialist create a bond of mutuality between the consumer and the peer provider.
The most popular animal used in therapy is the horse. Horses can mirror and respond to human behavior and emotion. Horses can sense others’ feelings. Horses are calm creatures, and being with them can help relieve stress, depression, and anxiety, as well as reduce negativity.
A person with a mental health diagnosis has strengths and insight that can be applied to their own healing process. The individual in treatment knows what they need to get better and this self-knowledge and insight are put at the center of their recovery planning. ‘Starting’ a horse, instead of ‘breaking’ a horse has a very interesting parallel to contemporary developments in mental health care, especially peer support.
Video: https://youtu.be/gG8faNGg6os?si=jmawtIl_rAsSClqZ
Art Activity: Use faux leather to create a keychain/wristband. Use the experience to center yourself. Let the process guide you to a calmer state of mind and being.
Video: https://youtu.be/OERmpy52xik?si=fWacSY9rRQXwc4Yu
In today’s mental health environment more enlightened models such as strength-based and person-centered approaches have attempted to replace a predominantly clinical model which can help the peer specialist create a bond of mutuality between the consumer and the peer provider.
The most popular animal used in therapy is the horse. Horses can mirror and respond to human behavior and emotion. Horses can sense others’ feelings. Horses are calm creatures, and being with them can help relieve stress, depression, and anxiety, as well as reduce negativity.
A person with a mental health diagnosis has strengths and insight that can be applied to their own healing process. The individual in treatment knows what they need to get better and this self-knowledge and insight are put at the center of their recovery planning. ‘Starting’ a horse, instead of ‘breaking’ a horse has a very interesting parallel to contemporary developments in mental health care, especially peer support.
Video: https://youtu.be/gG8faNGg6os?si=jmawtIl_rAsSClqZ
Art Activity: Use faux leather to create a keychain/wristband. Use the experience to center yourself. Let the process guide you to a calmer state of mind and being.
Video: https://youtu.be/OERmpy52xik?si=fWacSY9rRQXwc4Yu
