Experience the therapeutic nature of horses through our Equine Therapy program located at Dreamer Farm in Mequon, Wisconsin.
Horses are known for their ability to enhance physical, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive skills in individuals struggling with emotional and behavioral difficulties. Many people find they are able to connect with specific horses as a result of the similar trauma and difficulties they have gone through. Several of our rescue horses experience the same stress, anxiety, detachment, and trust issues as humans do, and so intimate bonds are easily created through the overwhelming sense of similarity and deepened understanding.
Research has also proven the effectiveness of Equine Therapy, showing results like lowered blood pressure and heart rate, alleviated stress levels, and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. Equine Therapy assists individuals with their ability to identify and cope with feelings, develop stronger communication skills, set boundaries, overcome fears, and build trust.
EAGALA Model Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Within our equine program, we follow the EAGALA model. EAGALA is an acronym for Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association. Within the EAGALA program, the individual works alongside a credentialed Mental Health Professional and a qualified Equine Specialist while engaging with a horse or group of horses. This form of therapy is done when inside an arena or any type of gated enclosure, and all work is done on the ground with the horse deliberately unhindered so that the horse and client are allowed to interact however they please. In this environment, the client receives the space needed, in addition to the support of the professional facilitators, so that they may interact in the way needed so that healing may occur. To learn more about EAGALA and how this program works, visit their website here.
COmmunication
There are many venues of communication, many of which do not include spoken words. Horses cannot use words to speak, which means they need to communicate through other methods. In an equine-therapy session, non-verbal methods of communication are explored in order to develop relationships with these large animals.
Self-Expression/realization
Horses are incredibly sensitive animals. They pick up on different emotions and non-verbal cues of the people they are interacting with. Through picking up the emotions and cues, they react accordingly to bring a powerful, loving, and encouraging outside perspective to what may be going on inside. The power of horses will help individuals find the solutions they have within themselves.
Time at the farm
Experience the tranquility and peaceful nature of simply being surrounded by animals. We have several barn cats, chickens, ducks, and a few dogs to interact with while on the farm. Learn more about Dreamer Farm here.
PATH International Therapeutic Riding
PATH Intl. is a worldwide organization that provides education and training to people in order to conduct therapeutic riding for people of different ages and abilities. PATH provides riding, as well as other ground based therapeutic activities that can aid in building confidence, learning respect, finding responsibility, and much more. Both ground-based and mounted activities can also aid in mental health issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and mood disorders.
