Lost Path Stables

The missing piece to successful Therapy for...

...Anger Management, Conflict Resolution, Communication, Responsibility, Self-Confidence, Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit, Substance Abuse, Mental Abuse, Physical Abuse, Drug and Alcohol Addictions, Eating Disorders, grieving and more...

...just may be a horse.

Why horses you ask?

Adding a horse to the therapy equation may be the missing piece you’ve been looking for in your sessions.

Those who are familiar with horses have long recognized and understood the power of horses and their incredible influence on people. Working with horses naturally provides benefits such as work ethic, responsibility, assertiveness, and non-verbal communication. The use of horses and the rise of NEW approaches in working with our equine friends, is fast growing and gaining in popularity. This has created a exciting and incredibly effective new era of Equine Assisted Learning. Behind this incredible new field is Greg Kersten of the OK Corral, NARHA(North American Riding for The Handicapped Association) and EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association). People have known the power of the horse for years, and through them we are recognizing the tremendous strides in the new path of Equine Assisted Therapy.

Why not other animals?

Horses are large and powerful creatures, which creates a natural opportunity for some to overcome fear and develop confidence. The size and power of the horse is naturally intimidating to many people. Accomplishing a task involving the horse in spite of this fear, creates self-esteem and provides wonderful metaphors, when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life.

The heart of the program is to put a person in motion creating the visual and physical concept of why, how and what you do affects yourself and others. The physical or 'in motion' process creates the cause and effect. The activity of physically doing triggers mental switches of understanding and mental awareness. This is one thing you Cannot create in an office setting.

Horses are very much like humans in that they are social animals and have defined roles within their herds. They would rather be with their peers, than without. They have distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods like humans. Horses cannot lie to us or themselves. An approach that seems to work with one horse, does not necessarily work with another. At times, they seem stubborn, and defiant, and they like to have fun. In other words, horses provide vast opportunities for metaphorical learning.

Horses require work, whether you are caring for them or working with them. In an era when immediate gratification and the “easy way” are the norm, horses require people to be engaged in physical and mental work to be successful, a valuable characteristic in all aspects of their and our lives.

Most importantly, horses have the ability to mirror exactly what human body language is telling them. Many people will complain, “The horse is stubborn, the horse doesn't’t like me, etc.” But the lesson to be learned is that if they change themselves, and their body language, the horses respond differently. Horses are honest, which makes them especially powerful messengers. Using metaphors, in discussion or activity is an effective technique when working with even the most challenging individuals or groups.

Metaphor is the use of a word or phrase in a way that is different from its usual use, as it is to show a likeness to something else. For example: in horse therapy sessions the" lead rope” could metaphorically, be something a person is pulled, or lead by, or tied up by in their life. Another example could be how people view a saddle. Does the person feel “saddled” with responsibilities or problems? Does a person feel “ridden” by co-workers, parents, teachers, or managers? There are many metaphors that can be used in all aspects of this extraordinary therapy.

Let Me Teach You

When you are tense, let me teach you to relax.
When you are short tempered, let me teach you to be patient.
When you are short sighted, let me teach you to see.
When you are quick to react, let me teach you to be thoughtful.
When you are angry, let me teach you to be serene.
When you feel superior, let me teach you to be respectful.
When you are self absorbed, let me teach you to think of greater things.
When you are arrogant, let me teach you humility.
When you are lonely, let me be your companion.
When you are tired, let me carry the load.
When you need to learn, let me teach you.
After all, I am your horse.