Skip to main content
UploadLanguage (EN)Support
BusinessMobileSocial MediaMarketingTechnologyArt & PhotosCareerDesignEducationPresentations & Public SpeakingGovernment & NonprofitHealthcareInternetLawLeadership & ManagementAutomotiveEngineeringSoftwareRecruiting & HRRetailSalesServicesScienceSmall Business & EntrepreneurshipFoodEnvironmentEconomy & FinanceData & AnalyticsInvestor RelationsSportsSpiritualNews & PoliticsTravelSelf ImprovementReal EstateEntertainment & HumorHealth & MedicineDevices & HardwareLifestyle
Angela Dunning, profile picture
Uploaded byAngela Dunning
1,173 views

The True Role of the Horse in Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy and Learning

The document discusses the evolving approach to equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP/L), emphasizing the importance of treating horses as equal partners rather than mere tools. It highlights the need for respecting the horses' boundaries, reducing human intervention, and fostering a trusting relationship that prioritizes both the horse's and client's needs. Key themes include empowering horses, reflective practice, and maintaining high standards of care and training.

Self Improvement◦
Related topics:
Self-Improvement•
Download to read offline
Angela Dunning - EFL Practitioner Eponaquest & LEAP www.equinereflections.co.uk
THE TRUE ROLE OF THE HORSE IN EFP/L A PARTNER NOT A TOOL An Evolved EFP/L Approach
THE HORSE AS A TOOL LACK OF CHOICE CLIENT’S NEEDS TAKE PRIORITY OUR PROJECTIONS / HORSE’S BOUNDARIES/PERSONAL SPACE HORSE’S FEEDBACK IGNORED NOT RESPECTED & CLIENTS NOT SHOWN THIS RISK: HORSES BURDENED BY THIS WORK & CAN’T GO FULLY BACK TO GRAZING
TOP DOWN APPROACH HUMAN (Decides) HORSE (Complies)
How can we empower our horses to be an equal partner in EFP/L? The Horse as a sentient being in its own right – with a path, needs, choices and a voice Trusting the horses to do THEIR thing, otherwise why involve them…? Everything from the horses is feedback to us – the obvious and the subtle Clear boundaries & respecting the horse’s physical boundaries is essential Working on and reducing our projections Being in our bodies & emotions and therefore more horse-like & enabling our clients to be body-aware and guided, which in turn helps the horses = congruency Developing energetic awareness as facilitators/horse handlers
How can we empower our horses to be an equal partner in EFP/L? Less intervention, agenda and structure on our part More reflective sessions - focus on relationship not task Horse-client ratio: less people to each horse Managing groups well & safely – Holding Sacred Space is crucial so that authenticity can emerge with support & energy levels are moderated for horses Taking care of our horses – turning out immediately after sessions; work balances; lifestyle; environment; health & well-being support Excellent EFP/L Training standards: quality not quantity
How can we empower our horses to be an equal partner in EFP/L? Flexibility at all times to change things, stop, adjust, change, reassess, to ensure the horse’s are being treated well Humility – letting another species guide US: The Horse Knows! = Less ego Questioning our motivations – reputation, profit, self-esteem or true service through inter-species partnership? Having a dedicated horse handler who’s only concern is the horses and has a mandate to intervene on the horse’s behalf if necessary
TRUE ROLE OF THE HORSE CHOICE HORSE & CLIENT IN HARMONY: BODY/EMOTIONS/ENGERY BOUNDARIES/PERSONAL SPACE RESPECTED VOICE & LISTENED TO GO BACK TO GRAZING
EQUAL PARTERNSHIP APPROACH HUMAN HORSE (Leads & Listens) (Guides)
Group Discussion The Role of the Horse in EFP/L: A Partner or a Tool? Question 1: What does the horse as a tool look like? Question 2: What does an empowered equine partner look like? Question 3: What gets in the way of/impedes this? Question 4: How can we ensure we listen to the horse’s feedback so we can help the client learn? Question 5: Signs of stress or distress in horses in EFP/L sessions Question 6: What changes can I make in my practice and approach to give my horses more freedom and choice?
Angela Dunning Equine Reflections Eponaquest & LEAP EFL Practitioner, Trainer, Supervisor www.equinereflections.co.uk angela@equinereflections.co.uk Tel: 07583 726207 https://www.facebook.com/equinereflections https://twitter.com/angeladunning https://uk.linkedin.com/in/angeladunning