Give it a go – you can do more than you think.

‘I can’t do that’.   It’s a common response when we ask someone to do something new with the horses. The words are often spoken before we’ve finished asking the question or identifying a small task. Actress Audrey Hepburn once said,  ‘I lack self-confidence. I don’t know whether I shall ever get it. Perhaps it is better to be unsure of yourself.  But it is very tiring.’

Entrenched psychological and societal patterns start at an early age. These patterns can have a lifelong impact.  Lack of confidence and a fear of failure can be very debilitating.  It often leads to the development of a negative self- image which may lead to prolonged mental illness. This pattern may be enforced in all aspects of a person’s life, from school through to relationships and even family life.

As we work with the horses, we encourage people to try new things.  For many, the first experiment may be simply standing next to a horse and gently touching it.  Horses are very sensitive to vulnerability in people. As a person approaches them and tentatively stretches out their arm to touch them,  there is a often powerful moment of acceptance and bonding. As people progress to stroking and brushing and as the horse reacts by nuzzling and sniffing,  there is a visible growth in confidence.  This is often highlighted when we show people the safe way to go behind a horse.

As confidence grows, so self esteem emerges.  I can’t do that becomes – ‘look what I just did’.  We look to relate the experimenting with the horse to other aspects of their life.  Often, the work they do with the horses becomes a resource that they can draw on when they are faced with the inevitable challenges of daily life. 

If you want to know anything more about equine therapy please call Annie on 0411 549562 or e mail her on annie@hamerequine.com