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 exercises with horses to help women learn about confidence, trust, boundaries, fear and self esteem. 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 with their ability to perceive who we are and respond without judgment or bias. They require confidence and leadership from us and when it is present they return cooperation and respect. Through their eyes we see our reflection.

 

If you believe...you can make a difference, download our pledge form and help change the course of a life. One life at a time we can do it. Click here:

 

Pledge Form.doc

 

 For more info call: 763-479-9970

email: shannon.bruce@trista-tech.com

 

 

 Return to Southern Valley Alliance Home

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

September 27

Final Pilot Session IV
What amazing progress we've seen in these women! We watched video clips from the first three days of the arena exercises and it was remarkable to note the change in body language, confidence and relaxation around the horses. What was even more amazing was watching the women go through an obstacle course with their horse. They felt the power of focus and visualization as they planned and put a clear picture in their mind of what they were about to do. Their horses sensed that clear, focused leadership and even the most left-brained willful horse among them followed like a lamb. They looked like seasoned Parelli students!
 
We spent the classroom session learning about proactivity and making a plan for the next five years. We talked about strategies for overcoming obstacles and the importance of sharing our plan with a trusted friend to provide support and accountability. We will be checking in with each participant over the next year to check on her progress.
 
It was an emotional day having to say goodbye and we all wish the program could have been longer. The women provided insightful feedback on the program and left us with some of their thoughts:
 
"Thank you for restoring my joy and helping me open a door I had locked shut. This has been life changing!"
"This was all new information that I wish I knew when I was growing up in an unhealthy home."
"I have goals now....I look toward the future now"
"I have learned FINALLY that people's behavior is not always about me..."
"By being acknowledged as a leader by [my horse] my confidence and self esteem really grew."
"There is so much value in learning you will survive outside your comfort zone."
"I learned to set goals."


8:29 AM GMT  |  Read comments(2)

September 20

Session III
Again 100% attendance! These women are motivated to show up and do the work. I continue to be amazed at their strength and determination to confront the obstacles in their paths. They bring their desire and are gaining the knowledge to transform their lives. I can't wait to follow up with them in six months and again a year from now to see where they are going. Next week we will work on a five year plan to identify where they want to be, steps they need to take to get there, and what obstacles are in their way. Having a plan for our future is the theme of our last session. As we work with the horses we will work on a series of maneuvers through, around, and over obstacles.


12:11 PM GMT  |  Read comments(2)

September 13

Horses Helping Humans, Equine Assisted Therapy for Domestic Violence Survivors
The second session was held on Saturday, September 12. Attendance was 100%, humans and horses alike. It was wonderful to see the women becoming more confident around the horses and each other. We spent classroom sessions focusing on learning strategies, managing fear, and understanding the role of principles in our lives. We also discovered how important body language is, not only to horses but to people as well. It is gratifying to see the women participating are so motivated and determined to make their lives better. They keep trying even when something is difficult and never give up. An extraordinary day, to say the least.


1:49 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

September 10

Horses Helping Humans Pilot Program
The first session of the program was held on Saturday, September 5 at the U of M Equine Center in St. Paul. We had six participants, four Parelli trained horses and their owners who volunteered for the program. The classroom session and arena session went remarkably well. The preparation with the horses by their handlers contributed to a safe, calm atmosphere that helped the women relax and gain confidence around the animals. Molly DePrekel and I led the classroom sesssion which focused on setting out the goals and expectations for the program, horse safety and communication, and what is necessary in order to make changes in your life. After the horse exercises we returned to the classroom for a brief discussion of the day and it was clear everyone was excited about coming again next week. Some of the comments included "This is better than any therapy I've ever been to..." and "When you're with the horses you just forget about all the stuff going on in your life."


10:19 AM GMT  |  Read comments(1)

 
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