Lisa Krystosek

Horses communicate primarily through the use of body language, eye contact, voice and smell. As we learned last time, observing the horse can often provide clues about his emotional state and temperament. This week, we will discuss how understanding horse communication may help counselors communicate with clients on a deeper level.

I have received some really great feedback about the various types of therapeutic horsemanship programs available. I have also received some great questions. This week, I will take the opportunity to answer one of the recurring questions: How do horses communicate?

This week we will be climbing out of the saddle to learn about the experiential groundwork techniques of the EAGALA method.

This is an area of Therapeutic Horsemanship that I find to be fascinating. When I think of vaulting on horseback, the image of superhuman gymnasts in Cirque du Soleil-like performances springs to my mind. The more I researched the topic, however, the more I realized the value it brings to clients participating in Therapeutic Horsemanship programs. The balance, focus, confidence and teamwork it takes to perform the exercises during a Therapeutic Vaulting session can be extremely beneficial not only in a physical sense, but also psychologically.

As we learned last time, Therapeutic Horsemanship is a great method of recreational therapy for people with physical disabilities, developmental disabilities and mental health issues. In addition to riding lessons, many Therapeutic Horsemanship programs offer other ways of interacting with horses to enhance the physical, psychological and social benefits horsemanship provides. One example is Therapeutic Driving.