The way they approach the activities gives an understanding of the personality or mental state of the patient... it’s also simply about being able to bond with the horse.
Part 1
As we start…you can tell I am nervous around horses by the number of “Okays” I’m saying. I guess it goes back to the number of times they have bolted or bucked and left me rolling in the dust!
Although it was due to being thrown off a horse in the Magaliesberg that I met my wife Belinda. That is a long story but I was trying to ride it backwards!
There is some background in that I had an amazing interview a few years ago with the “man who listens to horses” Monty Roberts who developed the Join Up therapy.
Part 2
There were definitely a few communication problems with the horse and trainer, Natasha, in the early stages. Much hesitation on my side and it took a while to establish some command and control. But the two big breakthroughs were learning his name was Chockie and getting that eye contact going!
Part 3
In the end the inner Cowboy came out and I felt a definite bond with Chockie. And a comforting inner strength as I got him to canter as instructed.
Although it was a lot of fun, I can understand how equine therapy has a very definite place engendering confidence and trust in someone, young or old, who has gone through a dark space in their lives.
And maybe I won’t be as tentative next time getting into the saddle!
To find out more about Helaing Wings you can click here.