What is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy? (EAP)
In Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, EAP, horses act as transitional objects for participants. The horses and activities in the arena can mirror what is going on in someone’s life. For example, A client observes, “There’s a split in the herd – just like me and my family. The donkey is wreaking havoc - just like my teenager at home, PTSD or alcohol!”. Then together, we brainstorm possible solutions and then actually try them out in the arena with the animals, then in ordinary life. Seasoned therapists estimate it takes only 1 hour of EAP to do 10 hours of talk therapy. Recent research has shown improvement in marital problems and conflict resolution, as well as a significant reduction in diagnosed and undiagnosed PTSD.
Mustang 2nd Chance Foundation in Lorena Texas will be applying for a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission to provide equine-assisted therapies for veterans and their families. This project is wholistic, involving physical, neurological, and also the relational aspects of transitioning from active duty to civilian life. The Board meets in quarterly sessions via virtual meetings. In the first 6 weeks, participants will interact naturally, on foot, with horses in an arena, in activities facilitated by an equine specialist and therapist. In the last 4 weeks, participants will experience Therapeutic Horseback Riding, THR, facilitated by PATH certified instructors.
*Actively Triggered clients will be assessed and recommended to Medical/Psychiatric therapeutic programs. M2 ranch can not participate in active triggered clients due to their nature of dangerous and vindictive behaviour.
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