Horses Helping Humans - Equine Assisted Therapy for Domestic Violence Survivors

Imagine…if you could make a difference in the life of a woman devastated by the effects of domestic violence. What if you could help prevent her children from growing up to repeat the cycle of violence with their children and their children’s children?

 

It is estimated that more than 1.3 Million¹ women are physically assaulted by their intimate partner annually in the United States.  More than half of these victims live in households with children under the age of 12. It is staggering to think of the millions of children who witness crimes of domestic violence and the impact it has on their health and emotional development. Ultimately we all pay the price in our communities.

 

A four week program specifically designed to empower women at risk of returning to the abuse cycle has been developed and the first program was completed at the U of M Equine Center in September 2009. The program combines classroom learning and arena ground activities with horses to help women learn about confidence, trust, boundaries, fear and self concept. The program also helps women recognize habits and patterns that may affect their ability to make needed life changes. View our pilot outcome data.

 

The course builds a foundation of trust, integrity, respect and dignity for the human and the horse. Horses can be amazing teachers. They respond to us without judgment or bias and can help us see things differently and discover new approaches to life's challenges.

 

Facilitators are certified Equine Assisted Growth & Learning Association (EAGALA.org) specialists.

 

If you believe...you can make a difference, download our pledge form and help change the course of a life. Click below:

 

Pledge Form

 

 For more info call: 763-479-9970

email: shannon.bruce@trista-tech.com

 

 


 

 

 

 ¹American Bar Association http://www.abanet.org/domviol/statistics.html

 

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Program News

June 25

Spring sessions completed June 19, 2011
We completed the spring sessions on Sunday June 19. I am continually in awe of the human spirit’s ability to heal and overcome unimaginably traumatic events. We see it over and over again. People willing to face their fears, choose their responses and break out of old patterns of behavior are such an inspiration to [...]

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June 13

Spring Sessions underway
We are thrilled to be at a beautiful indoor arena with state of the art classrooms — projectors, screens, sound, clean restrooms and ample parking. Being comfortable is NOT overrated   Thank you to Pat and Pam for handling horses, setting up activities and doing whatever needs doing. You guys are the greatest! A big [...]

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April 29

Silent Auction & Raffle
We’re busy getting ready for the May 7 Fiddle Faddle FUNdraiser at Blackwater in Maple Plain next week. So many generous organizations and individuals have donated items and services to the Horses Helping Humans program. Thank you SO much for your generosity and concern for the population we serve. Your contributions will help us reach  [...]

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