Equine Therapy

Erica's Journey

One of the reasons I decided to become an occupational therapist is because of the opportunities to incorporate animals into healing.  At my first internship, we used dogs, cats, and occasional other animals to retrieve balls, allowing a stroke patient to strengthen their arm by combing or petting, etc. The use of animals instead of objects not only increases joy and participation, but many health benefits have been proven as well. There is also hippo therapy, where children with disabilities get to ride horses to improve their balance, confidence, movement patterns and the list goes on…

However, what I've come to learn and be able to offer through my partnership with Specialspirit.org (EAGALA & PATH certified equine specialists, mentorship with  https://www.freedomreignsranch.com,  attendance of Level One: Emotional Intelligence & Energy Mastery training program through the Academy for Coaching with Horses (taught by Kathy Pike) and over a decade of somatic body work training, including most recently completion of the VITA relationship and love coaching, is how to use mind-body centered/somatic approaches to tap into trauma that is stored in the body and keeps our nervous system in flight, fight, freeze and fawn patterns. Acknowledging where and how the body is carrying tension, pain and constrictions from these traumas and stress allows us to change the way they are stored in the body with the presence and encouragement of the equine. Also, activities of engaging with the horses provide powerful tools of healing that help to recognize and let go of old patterns of behavior, set boundaries and discover new ways of approaching areas of life and self that have felt stuck or based in fear and limiting beliefs.  Patience, confidence, self love and exploration can also be brought to light as one learns to be present and aware of their surroundings, patterns and processing while interacting with these large but attentive and intuitive animals. Sometimes, just hanging with and around the horses is enough as it brings some calming, connection and curiosity for our bodies, minds, heart and spirit.  The horses ALWAYS know how to give the space, the nudge, the lesson.  They are the true facilitators and ’therapists’ in this work.