HORSES AS HEALERS

Equine Therapy has Physical and Emotional Benefits

by Julie Peterson

Horses are being increasingly used to help people work through emotional and physical challenges, and for good reason: Numerous studies have shown that equine-assisted therapy helps with anger, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder and dissociative or other emotional problems. It works whether the therapy involves riding or simply feeding and grooming. Building the relationship increases people’s selfconfi dence, social skills, trust, empathy and emotional regulation, and helps them establish routines, structure and a sense of responsibility—all skills that are transferable to daily life.

Equine Psychotherapists

Equine-assisted psychotherapy involves counseling with a mental health professional and time riding or caring for a horse. Th e horse is considered a co-therapist. Forming a relationship with an animal that weighs 1,000 pounds or more may be intimidating, but the required vulnerability and trust is part of the process.

“Horses show us how to live together in harmony. Th ey teach us about acceptance of others and of ourselves,” says Marcy Tocker, clinical mental health counselor and founder and executive director of Grey Muzzle Manor Sanctuary, in Mohrsville, Pennsylvania.

“In some cases, I see results more quickly using equine therapy than solely with offi ce therapy. I also see more motivation from typically resistant clients because this can actually be fun, too,” says Meagan Good, a counselor and owner of Take Heart Counseling & Equine Assisted

Th erapy, in Wernersville, Pennsylvania. “Horses are relationship-oriented and intuitively sense and honestly respond to the emotions of those around them, which makes the horse-human bond a powerful healing mechanism.”

“Horses have similar emotions to humans—they get stressed out, happy, impatient. Th at’s why equine-assisted services are so popular,” says Traci Leigh, equine manager and instructor at Dream Riders TLC, in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Th erapeutic Riding

Beyond working as co-therapists for emotional issues, horses are excellent for occupational, speech and physical therapy. “Riding a horse rhythmically moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait. Th eir pelvic movement is the same as ours, so riders with physical needs oft en show improvement in Horses are relationshipfl exibility, balance, muscle strength, circulation and breathing,” says oriented and intuitively sense and honestly respond to the emotions of those Pamela J. Rogan, around them, which makes founder, executive the horse-human bond a director and certi- powerful healing mechanism. fi ed therapeutic riding instructor at Harmony Farms, in Cocoa, Florida. “It will also enhance a rider’s quality of life, build confi dence, independence and self-esteem. Th is is particularly true of riders with emotional or behavioral disabilities.”

Research shows that children and adults with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke and other conditions that aff ect motor control saw improvements in balance, gait, gross motor function and posture aft er several weeks of equine-assisted treatment.

Horses at Work

“I look for horses who are not afraid of new things, but curious about them … a horse that thinks through a new situation, that expresses himself freely and that enjoys interacting with humans,” says Good. “From there, my professional team works on building a relationship with that horse so that the horse feels safe to build relationships with clients who may or may not have any horse background.” Th ere are certifi cations and advanced courses that ensure appropriate training of the therapists and instructors, the safety of the people receiving services and the training and well-being of the horses. Reputable organizations include the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (eagala.org), the Professional Association of Th erapeutic Horsemanship International (pathintl.org) and Natural Lifemanship (NaturalLifemanship.com). “In addition to requiring that the horses are quiet, gentle animals and physically and mentally sound, they are trained to be desensitized to noise, wheelchairs, walkers and diff erent types of therapeutic equipment that riders may need for safety or postural assistance,” says Leigh. Her horses get four weeks off every year and work a schedule that ensures ample time to rest and recharge during the day. “Th e horse is a co-therapist. Th ey are doing a job, and it’s a not an easy job,” says Tocker. “To ensure the well-being of our equine therapists, they get ample time off and massages. Th ey’re taking on a lot, so we want to make sure they don’t burn out.” “I have horses that seem to step in and ‘protect’ clients when they are feeling vulnerable. I have horses who try to help regulate the anxious client by breathing or yawning or nuzzling,” says Good. “For the most part, we trust the horses to just be themselves, and what they bring is always helpful for the client.” “Horses are able to be present and focus solely on what is going on around them. Th ey do not think about the future or the past or judge people based on what they look like or what experiences they may have had,” says Tocker. “I feel like I witness miracles every time I do a session at the barn.” Julie Peterson writes about health and wellness from rural Wisconsin. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

Local, Non-Profi t, Equine Th erapy Resources

By-Th e-Rein Equine Th erapy

Grantville, PA • 717-201-1445 ByTh eReinEquineTh erapy.com

Capital Area Th erapeutic Riding Association

Grantville, PA • 717-469-7517 CATRA.net

Experiential Equine Programs at Leg Up Farm

Mount Wolf, PA • 717-266-9294 LegUpFarm.org/services

Graceful Acres

Halifax, PA • 717-215-1768 GracefulAcres.org

Reins of Rhythm

Shippensburg, PA • 717-446-1431 ReinsOfRhythm.org

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– 7pm. Let’s close out this summer by rocking out with Shea Quinn & friends as they present The Band Who Sold the World: A Tribute to David Bowie! All ages welcome. Free. Fredricksen Library, 100 N 19th St, Camp Hill. 717-761-3900.

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Restorative Yoga with Reiki – 6-7:30pm. Rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit in relaxing yoga poses using props and bolsters designed to release all tension. Enjoy the healing benefits of reiki energy. Space limited. $25. Mella Luna Studios, 9 N Baltimore Ave, Mt Holly Springs. 717-486-7823. Pre-registration required: MellaLunaStudios.simpletix.com.

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Hospice Labor Day Auction – Sept 4 & 6. 8am5pm. A fun-filled weekend with vintage finds, raffles, locally made food, handmade quilts, vacation packages, original artwork, new and used tools, sports memorabilia and more. All proceeds benefit Hospice & Community Care patients and families. Solanco Fairgrounds. LaborDayAuction.org.

Outdoor Yoga at The Winery at Long Shot Farm

– 10-11am. No need to pre-register for this all-levels yoga class. Please bring a yoga mat or large towel. $10. 1925 McClures Gap Rd, Carlisle Mella Luna Studios: 717-486-7823. Grand Opening for Stardust & Love, LLC – 12-8pm. Grand Opening of retail space for ritual spiritual tools and practitioner community. Includes hourly prizes, giveaways, mead sampling, 10% discount on final purchase. 545 Cumberland St, Lebanon. StardustAndLoveLLC.com. StardustAndLoveLLC@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

ReikiShare Live! – 6:30-8:30pm. Reiki practitioners of all levels and training and newbies are welcome to share positive and loving healing energy. Love donations accepted. Reiki by Rickie, ReikiSpace & Learning Place, 2793 Old Post Rd, Ste 10, Harrisburg. 717-599-2299. ReikiByRickie.com.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Glass Fusing Class – 6pm. Learn basics of glass fusing and complete 1 piece of slumped or fluid glass (2”x1 & 1/2”), available for pickup on a predetermined 2nd day. All supplies provided. $15. The Center of Balance, LLC, 29 N Jefferson St, Greencastle. Registration required: 717-643-1404. TheCenterOfBalanceLLC.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Reiki II Class – 9:30am-5:30pm. With Rickie Freedman. Empower your reiki. Heal yourself and others on the underlying mental/emotional level; share distance reiki. $220. Reiki by Rickie, ReikiSpace & Learning Place, 2793 Old Post Rd, Ste 10, Harrisburg. 717-599-2299. ReikiByRickie.com.

Archangel Michael, Mother Mary, Padre Pio

Channeling – 10am-4pm. With Pat Cassel.Messages from Archangel Michael and the Angels and potent healing energies from Mother Mary and Padre Pio are awaiting you. $100/hr, $60/30 mins. Gracefull Heart, 1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle. Pre-register: 717-240-0400 or Info@Gracefull-Heart.com. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Transitioning into the Great Promise – 2-5pm. With Nigel Taylor. Explore and understand the nature, challenges and potential of our current moment as we transition into the consciousness of the Great Promise. $65. Gracefull Heart, 1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle. Pre-register: 717-240-0400 or Info@Gracefull-Heart.com.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Psychic Readings – 3pm. Psychic William Stillman connects to the spirit realm to bring forth messages in private, 1-hr sessions. $150. Alta View Wellness Center, 4814 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg. Pre-registration required: 717-221-0133 or AltaViewWellness.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

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Lebanon County Women’s Expo – 9am-2pm. The Women’s Expo brings together women of all ages for shopping, entertainment, education, information and demonstrations. $5/at door, free/pre-register online. Lebanon Expo Center, 80 Rocherty Rd, Lebanon. 717-285-1350. AGreatWayToSpendMyDay.com.

Intuitive Tarot Readings – 10am-4:30pm. With Judy Winfrey. Receive messages that offer clarity and guidance which can help you with everyday life as well as help open you to your own potential. $80/50 mins. Gracefull Heart, 1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle. Pre-register: 717-240-0400 or Info@ Gracefull-Heart.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Tarot Readings – 10am. Reader John Tucker answers questions through the tarot in these private sessions. Hr or half-hr options. $75. Alta View Wellness Center, 4814 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg. Pre-registration required: 717-221-0133 or AltaViewWellness.com.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Shamanic Journey and Sound Healing Around

the Stargate – 7-9pm. With Linda Gareh-Applegate, Holly Blyler, Sharon Askey.Relax, rejuvenate and rebalance with potent sound healing. Sound can provide an opportunity to breakdown patterns no longer serving you. $20. Gracefull Heart, 1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle. Pre-register: 717-240-0400 or Info@Gracefull-Heart.com.

Psychic Readings – 10am. Psychic William Stillman connects to the spirit realm to bring forth messages in private, 1-hr sessions. $150. Alta View Wellness Center, 4814 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg. Pre-registration required: 717-221-0133 or AltaViewWellness.com. Reiki Share – 6pm. Come together with likeminded individuals. All reiki levels are welcome to share the love. Free. The Center of Balance, LLC, 29 N Jeff erson St, Greencastle. Registration required: 717-643-1404. TheCenterOfBalanceLLC.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Pennsylvania Tea Festival – Sept 24-25. 9am4pm. Everything tea: preparation, customs, culture, benefi ts, tea tastings, 24 tea vendors, informative programs, music and more at this outdoor event in the herb gardens. $12/advance; $15/day of. The Rosemary House, 120 S Market St, Mechanicsburg. 717-697-5111. TheRosemaryHouse.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

Animal Reiki and Communication Day – 10am4pm. Your pets will love reiki. Animals are sensitive to the energy. You and your pet can also receive a reikiinfused, mini-animal communication session with Angela Zimmerman and Rickie Freedman. $30/reiki; $70/reiki with animal communication. Reiki by Rickie, ReikiSpace & Learning Place, 2793 Old Post Rd, Ste 10, Harrisburg. 717-599-2299. ReikiByRickie.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Guided Animal Journey: Octopus Medicine – 4pm. Shamanic Practitioner Angie Yingst leads this guided shamanic animal medicine journey: Exploring the depths with octopus. Zoom or inperson available. $40. Alta View Wellness Center, 4814 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg. Pre-registration required: 717-221-0133 or AltaViewWellness.com.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

Joy-Full Energy Coaching – 10am-5pm. Experience a unique personalized joint coaching session with Karen East and Rickie Freedman, both Reiki Masters and Certifi ed Holistic Life Coaches. $90. Reiki by Rickie, ReikiSpace & Learning Place, 2793 Old Post Rd, Ste 10, Harrisburg. 717-599-2299. ReikiByRickie.com.

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Self-Care in Nature – 10am-6pm. Gates will be open to walk the property, including labyrinth and forest trails. Free. Amethyst Retreat Center, 44 Buff alo Creek Rd, Duncannon. AmethystRetreatCenter@gmail.com. AmethystRetreatCenter.org.

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Gentle Yoga – 6-7pm. With Lisa Stets. This gentle fl ow yoga class is designed to increase balance and fl exibility and help you fi nd your center. Modifi cations are off ered to be adaptable for all levels. $10. Mella Luna Studios, 9 N Baltimore Ave, Mt Holly Springs. Register: 717-486-7823. NOTE: For guidelines and to submit a classified listing, email Publisher@ NaturalCentralPA.com. Listings are $25 for up to 25 words, or $1 per word over 25 words. Deadline is the 1st, for the next month.

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