New Trails
Learning Systems
Equine-assisted interventions
I was recently invited by Alexander Vern, a German military psychologist, and friend, to observe his first part of an interesting research study on the effectiveness of equine-assisted interventions.
Creativity often drained, resilience at the end of capacity, feelings of defeat- many of our Horse Boy Tribe, friends, and families have experienced this in the days of COVID 19. Now, this is not another relentless reflection on all the negative things that have happened in the last year, but actually a story of hope.
What an interesting Haiku and how fitting- This experience cannot truly be described in a few words- and the connection to autism will soon be obvious in more than one way.
“Do you know what my favorite thing about horses is?”
The boy paused and listened. I went on-
“My favorite thing about horses is that they always forgive me – no matter what.”
This week has been hard for our families. This is strange - the weather is perfect. The hills are green - all should be splendid.
But it’s not.
Kids who find their truest kindness in the animals have inched toward cruelty, parents are stumped. Open hearted kids have been rude, and meltdowns occur more regularly.
Testimonial by a 16- year- old student: What Horses Can Also Do!
As a former student of a colleague, I was allowed to experience and enjoy the horse therapy offered.
Because I come from extremely difficult family circumstances, I have to fight severe depression, which because of so much academic pressure in school became worst. In addition, I had a lot of private issues which pulled stability right out from under me from one day to the next.
Horses are prepared and trained, workbooks are printed, powerpoints are updated, tech checked, food thought of, materials packed, schedule written- the workshop can begin!