02 Oct 2013

Horses helping humans to be calm and assertive

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I recently began volunteering with a not-for-profit organisation that uses horse-whispering techniques to teach calm assertiveness to disadvantaged young people.

Stress relief & sleep support

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I recently began volunteering with a not-for-profit organisation that uses horse-whispering techniques to teach calm assertiveness to disadvantaged young people. When I first heard of the concept, I was curious, and I admit, a bit sceptical.

But a quick Google search later, I found that this is far from a new concept. I discovered an abundance of programs, training courses, movies, documentaries, journals and books worldwide spruiking the benefits of equine facilitated learning. This did not prepare me, however, for what I would see unfold in the arena before my eyes as my volunteering got under-way.

To explain briefly how this particular organisation works, horse-whispering is a way of training horses which mimics the way that they relate to each other in the wild, and is non-abusive. The participants are paired up with a horse based on its personality, and the personality of the participant. For example, a timid introverted young person may be teamed up with a large assertive horse so the young person can gain confidence in using strong and calm body language to communicate with the horse.

Conversely, a young person with problems with aggression may be teamed with a timid, small horse that will only respond if it is treated gently. Experience with horses is not necessary, as participants do not ride them - they instruct them to do a number of tasks such as circling, jumping and backing up.

During my time there, I have seen teenagers who are about to attend court for assault charges exhibit the most tender companionship, and bullied youngsters learn to stand up tall and get a 600kg stallion to back away from them with pride. Many reports claim that these changes are then taken back into their lives and applied in their relationships with people.

It has certainly opened my eyes to another way that mental and emotional wellbeing can be supported. It seems that horses can not only help humans by drawing their carts and herding their cattle, but by helping us relate better to each other as well.

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