The Equine Experience Horses for People - People for Horses
It is our plan to set up a facility where horses are used for the benefit of children and adults, in particular for disadvantaged children, and to have available a team of specialist horse people to provide training, care and information to horse owners and their horses.
The bond between humans and horses goes back many thousands of years and is no less strong in this age of mechanisation and technology. Our development and history would not have been possible without the partnership of these wonderful creatures. The nature of horses is generous and willing, they have their own wisdom. We talk about learning to ride, but horses have much to teach us, mainly about ourselves.
Horses for People
There is an Arabic saying : The horse is a mirror. Horses reflect back to us our innermost feelings, and if we can learn to read what a horse is telling us, they speak though very subtle body language, this is a very powerful tool for self-knowledge and growth. Much work is now being done under the title ‘Equine Assisted Learning’ and although various organisations have been set up to teach this it is not an exact science and there is no single accepted method. This is fine because all people and horses are individual and there are many paths to personal development. While basic issues of safety around horses must be observed there are many methods through which people can learn from our equine friends.
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man."
Winston Churchill
Children growing up in an urban environment surrounded by concrete and influenced by 24/7 TV and video games become disconnected from their soul’s purpose. They do not know who they are. This leads to anything from anti-social behaviour, lack of self confidence which is often expressed as bravado and aggressiveness, to conditions such as ADHD and asthma. Riding lessons are expensive and horse riding is seen by many urban people as an activity for ‘posh people’ and not for them. Even children who like horses may not admit this to their peers – but look at the crowds that gather when the Police Horses go to a local housing estate! The Synergy Equine Experience is not about riding, although for some children it may lead to that, it is about giving them an opportunity to get in touch with themselves and become more rounded, confident human beings, using horses and ponies as teachers.
Some of the ways The Equine Experience works are...
- Just ‘being’ with a horse or pony, either singly or in groups can have a very calming effect on a person, who can then learn to 'centre' and find their inner confidence.
- Learning basic horse care, grooming and leading horses encourages self discipline. If these activities are not done in the right way the horse will not be willing or compliant.
- Confidence building with Round Pen work. This is getting a loose horse or pony to move around by only using body language. This is a great tool as it requires a person to be quietly assertive without being aggressive.
- These are skills that can then be used in the wider world. This is also very useful for adults.
- Skills learned with horses can then be used in our dealings with other people. Confidence and quiet assertiveness are the best antidote to bullying.
- Connecting with a horse on horseback, with or without a saddle. This can have a great calming effect for children with ADHD and some types of Autism.
- Riding - Where appropriate children can be taught the basics of riding, up to walking and trotting off the lead, giving them confidence and encouragement to progress to a conventional riding school and / or Pony Club.
People for Horses.
We will have a team of suitably qualified people available to work with horse owners on a 1-2-1 basis, offer therapies, training, and put on training days and demonstrations.
These will include:-
- Recommended Associate of Intelligent Horsemanship to start young horses and deal with horse training issues.
- Centred Riding instructor
- Animal Communicator
- DAEP Equine Podiatrist for horse foot care.
- Equine chiropractor
- Holistic therapies including Reiki, Essential Oils, Equine Touch, Irridology, equine massage, equine physio.
- Equine dental technician
- Specialist equine vets
- Qualified horse trainer / groom / riding instructor.
The above are freelance specialists that we have a relationship with who can be called in to offer their services, give demos and training by arrangement.
This is a project we are working on. The facility is not yet available due to not having appropriate premises to run it. Do get in touch if you have any ideas, expertise etc that might help us.
