A Unique Equine Therapy Session

This summer, we had a unique session of Equine Therapy that not only had an incredible impact, but also showed us how vital these programs are for teens and families. We hosted a 5 hour equine therapy session where each teen who was selected to participate was able to choose a caregiver to attend and work through the session with them. 

The focus of this session was to participate in activities that encouraged healing to the teen/caregiver relationship, open the doors to communication, and provide a supportive environment that allowed disconnections in the relationship to be safely exposed. The activities, like drumming together and sharing intentions, opened moments of vulnerability that started the process of healing and reconnection between each teen and caregiver. Horses are an incredible conduit to healing, and these moments were powerful to witness. 

Throughout the session, we worked directly with the horses, under the guidance of licensed therapists, analyzing the horses behaviors, grooming them, and connecting with the horses and each other. Every caregiver/teen partnership also went into the arena to do lunging and other horse-specific exercises, working together to accomplish the task. 

It was inspiring watching as these people navigating complex realities showed up with such bravery and love. It was a beautiful day and experience to witness. We are excited to continue with programs like these to bring healing to our community and to change relationships and futures.