Introductory slide show on equine facilitated mental wellness and Great Strides (www.GreatStrides.org)

1. Great Strides Therapeutic Riding
www.GreatStrides.org
Most photographs by Ellen Cohan, Dancing Light Photography (all rights reserved)
An Introduction

2. Horses As Healers
Because of their nature as herd animals,
animals of prey, horses have a highly
developed ability to pick up on the emotions of
others around them.
This makes them very powerful therapists.

6. A Unique Team
Our staff is composed of talented
psychotherapists, certified therapeutic riding
instructors, and unique and wise horses.
We work together to help people connect with
themselves, heal from the past, and step forward
with courage and joy into the future.

10. Therapeutic Horsemanship
While learning horse care, grooming, and
riding, a client also works toward therapeutic
goals such as learning confidence and
improving memory.
Success at the barn and in the saddle builds
confidence that’s transferable to other areas
of his or her life.

14. Nobody judges me when I make a
mistake here. I don’t have to worry about
what people think. I feel comfortable just
being myself and doing my best.
I surprise myself with what I can do.

18. Psychotherapy
The horse, therapist, and client make a
powerful team, working together to seek a
deeper understanding of the client’s
issues.
Psychotherapy in this setting is often
successful where traditional therapy is not.

22. The horse knows what I’m feeling. He
really knows me, and he accepts me
anyway. He helps me to see myself. I can’t
describe what happens when I’m working
with my therapist and my therapy horse, but
I’m feeling things I haven’t felt for years.
I’m feeling hope.

25. Great Strides
Promoting emotional healing and growth
in partnership with horses.
Join us.
www.GreatStrides.org
(All rights reserved)