Involving Horses As Remedial Partners
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING
When you think of a horse - what do you see? A runner in the Grand National. The Lloyds Bank Black horse? A show jumper in the Beijing Olympics. A beautiful white horse galloping along a beach at the edge of the surf, Or, perhaps a policeman on a huge horse at a football riot?
All these images have relevance when we start the process of 'Equine Assisted' learning. Where do our preconceptions limit or enable us.
Whatever the answer, interacting with horses has consistently proved to be incredibly therapeutic and educational. In the late 1800s German psychotherapists included horse riding as part of the treatment of their patients. More recently disabled people have benefitted enormously from riding activities
However, there are many more benefits to be gained from being with horses than just riding them. They are phenomenal teachers and therapists. They can teach us about our behaviour and the effect it has on others. They show us what does and doesn't work. Our desire to, or fear of interacting with them challenges us on many levels. Which is exactly why Equine Assisted work is so effective.
So what is 'Equine Assisted'?
Equine Assisted work is commonly described as being experiential in nature. This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then discussing what happened (or not!), their feelings, observations, behaviours and patterns. The joy is that the participants don't feel 'judged' by the horses when exploring their perceived shortcomings as they would if it had been a human delivering the message.
Each session involves setting up tasks/activities with the horses which
will require the individual or group to apply certain skills. Non-verbal communication,
assertiveness, creative thinking and problem-solving, leadership, taking responsibility,
teamwork and relationships, confidence and attitude are all examples of the
tools utilised and developed by Equine Assisted work.
By working with individuals and groups, people from all walks of life, they
can be enabled to liberate themselves from their defence mechanisms to emotionally
grown and learn. The HARP Partnership sees their future mental and emotional
well being as key to making a difference. Some of our client list includes
directors of the top companies in Britain, young offenders, victims of domestic
abuse and high-flyers.
The HARP team is made up of Aurele, Elizabeth and David O'Malley and their
6 horses, which includes two Spanish Andalucians, a Thoroughbred and her foal,
a Shetland and a thoroughbred cross.
We have been trained by Greg Kersten OK Corral Series and EAGALA.
We link up with other professionals as required - Chrysalis Learning &
Development have over 16 years experience of operational and people development.
They are committed to innovative methods that work.
Anna Hamer is a psychologist trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques, including CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). She also provides organisations with workshop focusing on stress management, conflict resolution and leadership.
Please see Team Building and Corporate Equine Assisted for more information on the facilitators.