In communicating with a horse, participants learn patience, attention, compassion, and responsibility, leading to a greater understanding of themselves and others (Rothe et al. 2005).

As horses are prey animals, they are extremely sensitive and very attuned to people and their environment. The way a horse behaves when with a participant gives feedback about the participant’s emotional state. This presents a wonderful opportunity for participants to learn about self-reflection and practise internal regulation.

Although working with such a large animal can be intimidating, the safe and well-managed environment provided allows participants to experience being vulnerable. When participants achieve set tasks and begin to connect with the horse, their sense of accomplishment is profound.

Transpiring through engagement in a vast array of planned and meaningful activities the additional benefits of sessions are extensive and include:

• Increased confidence, leadership and communication skills

• Reduction in anxiety levels

• Heightened sense of wellbeing

• Opportunities for mindfulness and self-reflection

• Reduced blood pressure

• Development of fine and gross motor skills

• Enhanced empathetic awareness

• Increased self-regulation

• Greater proprioceptive awareness

• Improvements in sensory tolerance

• Strengthening of visual processing skills

• Heightened cognitive attention and concentration