Why the Horse? Anyone involved with EAA/T has likely heard this question before. HHRF recently read one especially powerful statement that gets to the heart of “why the horse?” when it comes to psychological therapies. According to Ann Kern-Godal, who works with addicted teens at Oslo University in Norway: “Horses have certain characteristics found to be beneficial in innovative psychological work in emotional and cognitive fields. Perhaps the most obvious characteristic, particularly to a new patient, is the size and strength of the horse. Horses are much stronger than humans. Physical strength alone cannot make a horse follow a command. It requires focus, patience, clarity and a degree of leadership - mental resources and skills often missing in young insecure people. Horses are present in "the here or now." They do not judge or have preconceptions about what is right or wrong. When patients bond with a horse they may discover a meaning, which they could not hear from the rational human voice.” Thanks to Ann for allowing us to share a portion of her article called “Riding Out of Addiction.” Read the rest of the article in the May Issue of the HETI newsletter frdi.net/pdfs/Newsletters/May2013_revised.pdf.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Jun 2013 16:57:44 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015