ITI Equine Affection - Our Therapeutic Furry Friends
'Empowering Hearts and Minds Through Equine Connections'
Welcome to ITI GGS Equine Therapy
At ITI GGS we're excited to introduce a new addition to our services: equine therapy. Our mission is to provide unique and meaningful experiences that promote health and well-being for all individuals.
What is Equine Therapy?
Equine therapy harnesses horses' innate sensitivity and intuition to facilitate emotional and physical healing in humans.
These gentle creatures possess an extraordinary ability to connect with individuals and offer profound therapeutic benefits.
The Power of Affection
Affection is a universal language that fosters connection and healing. Our ponies and miniature horses provide a safe and nurturing context where individuals can freely express and receive affection, companionship, and healing without judgment or fear.
Emotional Mirrors: Horses, including ponies, are emotional mirrors for humans. They respond to our feelings and body language. Their honesty in expressing emotions can help individuals identify and process their feelings. For example, when an angry person approaches a horse, the horse may shy away or become stubborn, reflecting the emotional state. This process helps clients become more aware of their emotions and learn healthier ways to express them.
Trust and Communication: Working with horses requires clear communication and trust. Horses respond with honesty and consistency. Building trust with a horse can be transformative for individuals recovering from substance abuse, trauma, depression, or other psychological issues. Learning to communicate effectively with a thousand-pound animal fosters trust and helps clients develop a work ethic. In the case of miniature horses and ponies, the size of the horse is less threatening, and trust can be built more quickly.
Non-Threatening Experience: Small ponies and miniature horses, due to their smaller size, provide a non-threatening therapy experience. This is especially beneficial for children, seniors, and individuals in wheelchairs. The acceptance and give-and-take interaction with ponies can boost confidence and focus, creating a calming and therapeutic environment.
Equine-Assisted Therapy: Equine therapy, overseen by licensed professionals, uses horses to reach rehabilitative goals. Equine-facilitated psychotherapy, a subset of this therapy, is particularly effective for various psychological issues. It helps individuals identify feelings, process emotions, and learn how to trust. Riding the horse is not always necessary; the therapeutic value lies in the relationship and interaction. Please see our contact details if you are a therapist and would like to book the horses.
Benefits of Equine Therapy
Physical Health Benefits:
Exercise Motivation: Interacting with our ponies encourages physical activity through activities like grooming, feeding, and leading.
Cardiovascular Health: Engaging in horse-related activities promotes cardiovascular health and improves overall fitness.
Muscle Conditioning: Maneuvering around horses engages various muscle groups, promoting strength and conditioning.
Balance & Coordination: Interacting with horses enhances balance and coordination skills, contributing to overall physical well-being.
Mental Health Benefits:
Stress Relief: Spending time with horses in a natural setting reduces stress and promotes relaxation.
Confidence & Problem Solving: Successfully handling and caring for horses boosts self-confidence and problem-solving skills.
Emotional Regulation: Equine therapy helps individuals regulate emotions and develop coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety.
Responsibility: Caring for horses fosters a sense of responsibility and routine, promoting feelings of accomplishment and purpose.
Our Approach
While we are not therapists, we are passionate about leveraging our ponies' therapeutic potential to enhance our clients' well-being.
Equine therapy is often complementary to traditional treatments and can be effective for individuals of all ages, including children and teenagers.
Get in Touch:
Ready to experience the transformative power of equine therapy? Contact Rebecca with any inquiries or to book a session. We're here to support you on your journey to better health and well-being.