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Horse Assisted Psychotherapy (Equine Therapy) and Program Integration

"The moment you begin sharing your life with a horse you embark on a journey of self-discovery that is virtually impassable by any other means. Your horse mirrors the essence of who you are and reveals to you your strengths and your weaknesses, your promise and your potential. With exquisite sensitivity, your horse not only intuits your emotions and intentions but embodies them. If you are anxious or afraid, your horse is fearful and tense. If you are preoccupied, your horse is distracted. If you are uncaring, your horse is indifferent. The more time you spend with your horse, the more clearly you see your reflection in him and the greater your self-awareness and understanding become."

"No human being can ever hope to see you as clearly as your horse does. Unlike people that judge you on your appearance and all your material trappings, clothes, car, house - your horse holds you accountable only for what lies in your heart."

"While horses guide us through a life altering self-improvement course, they also dramatically enhance our emotional well-being."

Riding for Life
by Rallie McAllister, M.D.

What is Horse Assisted Psychotherapy? (Equine Therapy)

Dr. Cole often assists people in reaching their therapeutic goals using guided imagery, meditations and other non-riding therapeutic exercises with horses. Horse Assisted Psychotherapy involves discussion and therapeutic exercises on the ground only. Riding and sitting on the horse during sessions is unnecessary and therefore not utilized.

Below is a video of Dr. Barbara Cole utilizing connection and communication to companion walk at liberty with a horse.

 

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