We share the same nervous system. We all have flight, fight, freeze and fawn responses to threats, whether real or perceived. Horses can help humans regulate their physiological and emotional responses
Like us, horses are sentient beings with the capacity to experience pleasure, fear and pain. We both need respect and compassion to thrive in any given situation.
Horses are social animals. We share some common needs, like the need for social connection and security.
As a prey animal, horses are highly sensitive to their environment. They bring this level of awareness to all of their interactions with people. Horses can teach us how to be more self-aware and mindful of our impact on others.
Horses are masters of non-verbal communication. They are highly observant and very astute at reading both horse and human non-verbal communication signals. Horses bring this awareness to the triangular relationship between the client, horse, and therapist.
Like us, horses live in organised herds where there are unwritten expectations and norms of behaviour. There are many valuable lessons that translate from the horse herd to the human herd, especially in the area of leadership.
Horses and humans both depend on social intelligence for successful relationships. Social intelligence is an important part of our day-to-day interactions with others. Horses can help us build our social skills, so we experience higher levels of self-esteem and positive wellbeing.
Horses have excellent boundaries with each other and with humans. Horses can help us understand our own boundaries and any areas for improvement.
Horses live in the moment and are non-judgemental. This is one of the great gifts that horses bring to the therapeutic relationship. They provide us with honest and immediate feedback. In conjunction with the therapist, they give us the space and time to explore our emotions in safe environment.
Just like us, horses build healthy relationships based on trust. Horses know that this is a non-negotiable pre-requisite in any important relationship.
The horse-human relationship is sensitive to, and dependent on, calm emotional regulation. Over time, horses can help adults and children identify their emotional cues and regulate their physiological and emotional responses.
Horses are highly intuitive and great teachers. If we really listen, there is much to learn.
