How spending time with horses can help us heal

HEALING HORSES — Society has long regarded the horse as a mere servant to our needs. We have spent years exploiting and utilizing them for our own entertainment. We have assigned a value on their use rather than learn to truly understand them. They are often required to have a “job,” a purpose in life. We…

Horses that heal: how equine therapy is helping people find peace of mind

Horses make great companions for psychotherapy because they can mirror and respond to human behavior. And crucially, ‘there’s no judgment with a horse’ Cross-posted from The Guardian By JOSHUA THAISEN It’s Saturday night in downtown Long Beach, California, and laughter can be heard from the streets below. Sarah Smith is sprawled on her bed, diligently…

New therapeutic horse program aids special needs kids

Cross-posted from The Tennessean Report by SHERRY MITCHELL HENDERSONVILLE, TN (Oct. 4, 2010) -- Born with cerebral palsy, which has left her unable to walk, talk or eat, except through a feeding tube, Mary McCauley has certainly had her share of uphill challenges. But when the young girl is around horses, she seems to enjoy…

Family Court uses horses to help families

Cross-posted from the Marion Star Written by JESSICA CUFFMAN MARION, OHIO - The equine therapy offered at a farm just south of Marion could work for almost anybody. Unless you're severely allergic to horses or have an overwhelming fear of the 1,200-pound animals, it's an option for everyone, said Kirsten Stumpo, one of the instructors…

Combat veterans use equine therapy to deal with post-traumatic stress (US)

Cross-posted from Colorado Community Newspapers HORSES OFFER A HEALING TOUCH By ASHLEY DIETERLE Published March 26, 2009 Every time John Nash feels a trigger coming on, he rubs his belt buckle with his thumb and he is right back with the horses — the horses that saved his life. Three years ago Nash, a Vietnam…