WORDS BY MARYLENE VESTERGOM

“I learned how to look at my emotions and had the horses help with understanding them.”

“I am learning from the horses to release all the overwhelming emotions, not hold them in.”

Imagine understanding and releasing your emotions with the help of a gentle, empathetic therapy horse. These quotes are from youth who have experienced equine-assisted psychotherapy at The Mane Intent, Peterborough, Ontario.
Unlike traditional therapy sessions, Jennifer Garland, registered psychotherapist, founder and program director of The Mane Intent, offers a hands-on, ground-based, interactive approach that allows individuals to connect with their emotions in a unique and powerful way.

Garland says, “Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is a therapeutic approach that involves intentional interactions between individuals and horses to address mental health or emotional challenges. It combines traditional psychotherapy techniques with the unique dynamic of working with horses. This type of therapy can help individuals with a variety of issues, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, addiction, and relationship problems.”

Unlike traditional talk therapy, Garland says EAP is particularly effective for people, especially young people, who may struggle with verbal communication or benefit from experiential, hands-on approaches. It’s understandable how some children would find talk therapy intimidating and challenging to open up to a stranger. Instead, with EAP, the horses mirror the participant’s emotional state and often help young people gain new insights into themselves, while building self-regulation and social skills.

Picture yourself spending time with horses – grooming, leading, and just being around them. It’s all about emotional growth and becoming more self-aware. The goal is to boost communication skills, manage emotions, and build self-confidence through the bond you create with the horse. Their reactions provide gentle feedback, helping you understand and process your feelings and behaviours in a way that’s often more effective than traditional therapy.

“Horses do not live in a world of overthinking, rationalizing, and stress we cling to every day. Instead, they live in the here and now,” one client shared. “The horses seem to know me better than I know myself.”

“Horses are highly sensitive animals that respond to the emotional state of the person interacting with them,” says Garland. “They can help children and teens become more aware of their emotions.” Working with the horses can also help enhance self-esteem and confidence. As Garland explains, the magic behind EAP is that the horses do not judge or critique.

In a recent article for Kawartha Now, Garland spoke about the bond between humans and horses. “There is a moment when a human is working with a horse – often a moment of surprise because the horse will do something unexpected and appropriate – that is just magical. There is an opening in that moment, and that opening is where healing occurs.” Garland’s words and observation capture the transformative power of these unique connections, reinforcing how this union can create opportunities for profound healing and growth.

One of the most challenging experiences children and teens can face is dealing with grief, often leaving them feeling overwhelmed. However, equine therapy offers a unique and gentle way to help young people navigate their grief.
“Grief can be difficult for children to express, especially when they don’t have the language or understanding to articulate their feelings. EAP can help them explore and understand their emotions through their interactions with horses, offering both therapeutic and emotional benefits.”

Located just 90 minutes outside Toronto, the farm is a haven of natural beauty. The Mane Intent is a therapeutic environment where nature plays a vital role in the journey towards healing and well-being.

At The Mane Intent, Garland leverages her experience in psychotherapy and equine-assisted psychotherapy with her herd of therapy horses. This combination provides a safe and supportive environment for children and teens to process their emotions and begin healing.

And don’t worry, no riding and or previous horse experience is required.
To learn more: maneintent.ca