STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH: THE TRUTH ABOUT EQUINE-ASSISTED THERAPY Greg Kersten and Lynn Thomas The relationship between man and animals goes back centuries. But it wasn't until recently that research has begun to document the important role of animals in keeping humans healthy and happy. Today, it is not uncommon to find pet therapy programs in hospital pediatric wards, hospices and nursing facilities. And the stories about the impact of these programs are inspiring. The special bond that many people feel with horses has led to a program that has made its way into the treatment field. Equine-assisted psychotherapy is an emerging field in which horses are used specifically as a tool for emotional growth and learning. Aspen Ranch, an adolescent treatment boarding school in Utah, has implemented an equine-assisted psychotherapy program with great success. Equine-assisted Psychotherapy: An Experiential Approach The equine-assisted model can be best explained as an experiential approach to working with people. This means that clients learn about themselves and others by partici-pating in activities with the horses and then processing feelings, behaviors and patterns. This may be related to therapeutic ropes course; however, equine-assisted psychotherapy had the added element of having horses – with different personalities, attitudes and moods – to the dynamics. Because of this, equine-assisted psychotherapy constantly creates new situations and experiences. At Aspen Ranch, licensed therapists team up with the equine specialist to conduct individual therapy sessions using the horses. The setting not only is much less threatening and intimidating than the office, especially for adolescents, but it also is much more “real” for them. A typical session may involve putting the teen on a horse bareback. The horse then is guided by the equine specialist using a lunge line (a rope about 20-feet long is attached to the horse and the equine specialist holds the other end.) Riding around this way, the client learns the importance of staying focused, reading the horse's body language and developing self-confidence. While the student rides, the therapist engages in discussing issues and watches for any signs that the student is losing focus on the horse. This loss of focus usually occurs when the student becomes defensive or dishonest. The youngsters often find it much easier to talk about sensitive issues while they are riding the horse and concentrating on this activity. Because they are focused on the ride and the horse, the teens are not thinking about being defensive or playing games. Horses and Groups Teach Skills and More Using horses in group activities is especially powerful in teaching teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, communication, relationship building, character and confidence. There are many group-related activities that involve clients and therapists working with horses. For instance, the group may observe the horses, which are very social beings, and process group roles and dynamics. The teens then can compare their own behaviors and relationships to what they observe with the horses. Problem-solving activities can be developed; for example, the group can work together to get a horse to go through an obstacle course without touching the animal. This activity shows how the group communicates to problem-solve, how members deal with frustration, who takes leadership roles and whether the students work together or individually. When the group achieves success, the teens can reflect on what did and did not work, how they felt and dealt with their feelings and how they can relate what they experienced and learned to their lives at home. Horses also can be used in family therapy and in parent workshops where parent education not only is taught but experienced. For example, a family may be asked to join hands in a line. The family discusses roles and decides who tends to take control and lead (it often is the adolescent who is in charge of the family). The leaders are placed at the ends of the line. They then must saddle a horse following the directions of a family member in the middle of the line. Switching the family roles and having to complete a complex project brings a host of issues to the surface for discussion. There are numerous activities involving horses that can be used as a tool for emotional growth. The horses create opportunities for clients to develop strong character values such as work ethic, respect, responsibility and integrity. At Aspen, students must get up early – when it is still cold and dark – to feed and care for the horses. They learn that the horses have needs and feelings that must be attended to. The teens learn that horses need to be groomed and cared for both physically and emotionally. They also learn that building relationships and trust takes time, work, respect and honesty. The payoff in terms of therapeutic outcomes are increased confidence, maturity and communication and problem-solving skills. From the teens' point of view, the outcome is fun. They enjoy riding the horses and spending time with the animals. Non-traditional therapies are gaining popularity in many areas of health care. And equine-assisted therapy is likely to gain increased attention for treating clients of all ages with alcohol and drug abuse problems. Counselors interest in learning more about equine-assisted psychotherapy should experience the program for themselves and find out whether or not it might be appropriate for some of their clients. Greg Kersten, CAC, is founder of Equine Services in Loa, UT, an adolescent treatment boarding school in Loa, UT, that uses equine-assisted psychotherapy. Lynn Thomas is a former residential director at Aspen Ranch, and is now a consultant and assistant trainer for Equine Services. Articles of Interest Article #1 Title: Equine Assisted Psychotherapy by Julie K. Trevelyn What it's about: the benefits of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, how it works, and the issues EAP addresses. Article #2 Title: EAP from a Gestalt Therapist's Perspective by Catherine Johnson What it's about: the principles of Gestalt therapy that are basis of EAP and their application to the work. Article #3 Title: EAP at Work in the World by Jeannette Galarneau What it's about: a camp program for 'at risk' teens and the benefits gained by participants. Article #4 Title: Safety First on the Ground by Greg Kersten What it's about: safety tips for being around horses. Article #5 Title: Straight from the Horse's Mouth: The Truth about Equine-Assisted Therapy by Greg Kersten and Lynn Thomas What it's about: how EAP began, what happens in an EAP session, the type of clients that can benefit, and the outcomes. Article #6 Title: Equine Assisted Growth and Learning: Q & A Sheet by Winning Strides What it's about: Frequently Asked Questions. Article #7 Title: Why Should Administrators Support EAP? To Sierra Boys Ranch What it's about: how to pitch EAP to your agency's administration team. Article #8 Title: Safety or Control by Laurie Messner What it's about: the controversy about whether or not keeping clients safe is really about too much control.