What is Equine Therapy at Sunrise Recovery Ranch?

Ranch residents can participate in Equine Therapy at no additional cost..  Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Education (EAGLE) is an emerging field in which horses are used as a tool for emotional growth and learning.  It is a collaborative effort between a facilitator, a co-facilitator and a horse professional.  Because of its intensity and effectiveness, it is considered a short-term or “brief” approach.

EAGLE is experiential in nature.  Participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the houses, and then processing or discussing feelings, behaviors, and patterns.  This approach has been compared to the ropes courses used by therapists, treatment facilities, and human development courses around the world.  But Equine Assisted Growth and Learning has the added advantage of utilizing horses; dynamic and powerful living beings.

The focus is not riding or horsemanship.  In fact, all activities take place purely on the ground.  It involves setting up activities with the horses which require the individual or group to apply certain skills.  Nonverbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem-solving, leadership, work, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence, and attitude are several examples of the tools utilized.

Horses are very much like humans in that they are social animals.  They have defined roles within their herds and would rather be with their peers.  Horses have distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods.  The size and power of the horse can be intimidating. Accomplishing a task involving the horse, in spite of these fears, creates confidence and provides interesting metaphors when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life.  Those familiar with horses recognize and understand this and also how the horse can influence people in powerful and positive ways.  They provide vast opportunities for metaphorical learning.  Using metaphors, in discussion and activity, is an effective technique when working with even the most challenging individuals or groups.