EAP is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, in other words horses are used as an
aide to work with youth and teens with emotional and behavioral problems. The
residents of Children's Homes are provided with the experiential learning
working with horses provides. Learning a variety of skills, which can be
transferred over into many different situations in life.
On the surface the program looks relatively simple, with the residents
learning to ride and take care of a horse. They are taught basic skills such
as grooming, riding, taking care of the horse, the parts of the horse and the
tack. However, they are also learning to build to trust, relationships, self
confidence, team work, responsibility, assertiveness, communication, respect,
self-control and a multitude of other skills.
Those who may benefit from the program:
* Abuse issues, sexual, verbal and physical
* Violence and neglect
* Substance abusers
* Lack of self esteem, confidence and respect
* Poor listening skills
* Attention Deficit problems
* Lack of trust
* Poor relationship skills
* Attachment problems
* Depression
* Anxiety
* Poor communication
* Unresponsive to traditional therapies
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Participation in a group trust activity |
Through the procession of time...
The residents begin the program in the on campus school, where they
participate in therapeutic groups. This includes the Equine Therapy group.
As they progress and work on their issues they begin to help to teach
others in the groups and to participate in the 4-H program. Some may
progress with their riding skills to ride in shows, in parades, or to work
as wranglers with the trail riding program we also have.
Donations of money, horses, volunteering or tack are gladly accepted
and will be used to their fullest. These are tax deductible donations.
HORSES IN THE EQUINE THERAPY PROGRAM
For information contact
Trish Copeland at
trishc@childrenshomes.org.
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Riding in the Christmas parade |
