Dash free with equine therapy! Equine Therapy is an innovative therapeutic approach that offers healing through a coveted human-horse bond. Think of horses and you may imagine scenes from Western movies. Or perhaps images of dressage competitions, the Kentucky Derby, or the rodeo come to mind. For me, I imagine how wonderful these majestic creatures are as companions and healers. Here is how Equine Therapy can help you in recovery.
Boost Your Self-Esteem and Confidence
Many addicts feel crushed by the weight of past failures and shattered relationships. They may feel powerless, unable to rise up, make amends or steer towards a new path. Here’s where you can dash free with equine therapy. You’ll establish a bond of compassion and respect with your horse. As this trust is built and skills are sharpened, you’ll be in control of the course and speed your horse takes. This empowering experience can extend beyond just riding; you’ll feel as if you can grip the reins of your life and push towards recovery.
Learn Responsibility
As addicts, we may be quick to cast blame on others for our addictions rather than taking personal responsibility. One of the first steps of recovery is to realize that it’s up to us to take control and repair the damage. When you begin to care for a horse, nurturing it and your bond, you’ll discover that you can make beautiful things happen. This belief in your own accountability will flourish in all aspects of your life and recovery.
Occupy Your Free Time
The time that was once focused on addiction must find a new meaning in recovery. There is so much to do and learn around a horse farm when you dash free with equine therapy. Saddle a horse and take a ride, clean the stall, repair a bridle, or give your equine friend a thorough brushing. As you fill your schedule with activities full of positive thinking, you won’t fall into the trap of letting your thoughts stray into potential relapses. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found that staying busy helps me and helps others be true to recovery.
Grow Your Empathy
The University of California at Berkeley defines empathy as being able to sense and imagine how someone feels. Addiction often overrides this quality, forcing us to instead focus entirely on getting a fix. In recovery, we become our true selves and connect with others in a healthy way. Horses are intuitive creatures that will react to your nonverbal cues. This will guide you into becoming more aware of the subtleties of emotion and how it is expressed in an unspoken way. As you build a mutual understanding with the horse, empathy can grow.
Find Acceptance
Many addicts struggle with accepting themselves due to the past. The unfair stigmas society holds about addicts drag them down even further. Animals care nothing for society’s myths. To them, you are just you. If you treat them with respect and compassion, they’ll return it in kind. By fostering a caring, impartial friendship with your horse, you’ll find the acceptance you deserve.
Practice Self-Control
Self-control is a quality that many of us need more of. Equine therapy can help you develop essential self-control skills. Since your behavior will directly influence the horse, you’ll be able to pinpoint exactly what you need to change. Are you prone to angry outbursts? That may rile up the horse. Do you give up on difficult tasks too soon? Your horse’s enthusiasm may inspire you to keep going. By being in charge of a loyal steed, your self-control can take on new dimensions.
I understand that equine therapy may not suit everyone, but there are many benefits to consider. After all, bonding with an animal can be very therapeutic. It’s a fun, adventurous way to repair self-esteem and explore new paths in your recovery.
Dash Free With Equine Therapy
At Morningside Recovery, we understand the importance of alternate therapy programs during rehab. Not everyone responds well to traditional forms of therapy, which is where addiction therapy services like equine therapy or adventure therapy can help. To learn more about how you can dash free with equine therapy, call us today at 855-631-2135.
