Why Equine?
Equines (horses, mules, and donkeys) are incredibly perceptive and can tell what we are feeling, sometimes before we even know it. They also tend to mirror the person they are with. Meaning, that the equine will outwardly display the emotions that we feel within. Equines are honest, non judgemental and live in the moment, so they are reflecting what we feel at that instance and this is what makes them so valuable in a therapeutic setting.
Resilience and Persistence
It takes work to develop relationships with and care for horses. In an era where immediate gratification and the “easy way” are the norm, working with horses requires people to be engaged in physical, emotional, and mental ways.
(Fundamentals of The Eagala Model, 2019, p. 18).
Social Herd Structure
Horses are very much like humans in that they are social animals with defined roles within their herds. Survival and safety dictate they may be with their peers, adhering to their roles within a herd structure. They have distinct and individual personalities, attitudes, and moods. An approach that works with one horse will not necessarily work with another. At times, they may seem to act stubborn, defiant, playful, loving, curious, or display other common emotions seen in humans and human relationships. In other words, horses provide vast opportunities for metaphorical learning as a parallel to human social dynamics.
(Fundamentals of The Eagala Model, 2019, p. 17).
Prey Animals
Despite their size, horses are prey animals with an innate focus on survival and safety. Physical and emotional safety also play a key part in the client’s treatment process. The horse’s natural characteristics will enhance the focus of the treatment process. This dynamic can play a valuable role in working through trauma and informing the way clients address both physical and emotional safety in themselves and their environment
(Fundamentals of The Eagala Model, 2019, p. 18).
Large and Powerful
Large and Powerful Size. With their size and presence, it’s hard to ignore a horse. This attribute alone can create a natural, engaging environment for clients, though it can also be intimidating for many people. Accomplishing a task involving the horse despite those fears can build confidence in dealing with other overwhelming and challenging situations in life. We can’t simply control a powerful horse; being in a relationship with a horse requires using healthy relationship skills.
(Fundamentals of The Eagala Model, 2019, p. 18).