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Troubled teens or adults with emotional issues nationwide are reaping the psychological and emotional benefits of "equine therapy," namely, the use of horses to help treat a variety of physical and psychological problems. Evidence shows that horses have a lot to offer humans.
Most recently, equine therapy has become accepted as a useful tool in treating a wide variety of psychological and mental disorders.
There are many physiological and psychological benefits documented in people during interactions with animals. These include lowered blood pressure and heart rate, increased beta-endorphin levels, decreased stress levels, reduced feelings of anger, hostility, tension and anxiety, improved social functioning, and increased feelings of empowerment, trust, patience and self-esteem.
Therapists say that young people who ordinarily shun physical and emotional closeness with other people can often accept it from a horse. The child-horse bond can develop mutual trust, respect, affection, empathy, unconditional acceptance, confidence, responsibility, assertiveness, communication skills and self-control. Effective communication with a horse involves patience, understanding, attention, forgiveness and consistency - abilities that any young person will find useful throughout their life.
My passion for not only reaching out to children and adults alike that feel they have no-one to turn to when emotionally distraught, along with my obsession with healing the emotional and physical scars of horses has led me to start on my new journey of 'Heart Healing.'
Having worked alongside one of the most reputable horse welfare ogranisations - 'Epona's Pastures', I have fulfilled my life long dream of helping horses in need. 'Epona's Pastures' rescue's, rehabilitates and re-educates the beautiful 'standardbred' horse. A harness horse who gives it's heart and soul to their human companion yet is easily disguarded as a comodity.
Both Heart Healing and Epona's Pastures are based in the Macedon Ranges on beautiful properties. Here we have a herd of horses all with differing issues and personalities, but yearning for human interaction.
Heart Healing and Epona's Pastures is also embarking on a new 'Sponsorship' program. Please stay tuned for futher details within this website.
The phrase "troubled teen" can mean different things to different people. But essentially, it refers to a teenager who struggles with emotional and behavioral issues. The teen may experiment with drugs or alcohol or even become addicted. The issues can be caused by any number of things, including an unstable or unsafe home life, or spending time with the "wrong crowd". Regardless of the reasons, a teenager who's emotional or behaviorally unstable can be a danger to himself, his family and his friends. Over the years, psychologists and counselors have discovered many effective treatment programs for troubled teens. One that is coming to the forefront is Equine Assisted Therapy.
Studies have shown that spending time with a friendly animal, even a short time like 10 to 15 minutes, increases the amount of endorphins that are released into the body and decreases the levels of a chemical called cortisol - which is a hormone that controls stress and arousal. Because many troubled teens are in a near-constant state of emotional arousal and/or stress, animal assisted therapy can help them feel calmer.
Sometimes just sharing a secret with a horse helps lift the heavy burden of teenage life. Having a true sense of secrecy, allows the teen to trust. Some will cry in to the mane of the horse they are be-friending, releasing tension. The calming over-all effect a horse has on human behaviour can be somewhat mind blowing.
Rescue horses are a great tool in showing kids from difficult backgrounds that there IS light at the end of a very dark tunnel. While the teens interact and feel apart of the healing journey of a true rescue, they learn how to adap, how to love and most importantly, how to FEEL.
Sponsoring a horse is one of the ways you can support Heart Healing & Epona's Pastures continued efforts. Through a regular donation one of the residents of Heart Healing & Epona's Pastures will become your 'sponsor' horse, and you will receive a new photo and regular sponsor update detailing goings-on at the farm.
Your donation will be applied towards the horse of your choice, or we will apply it towards the care of a horse we know to be in the greatest need.
Regular sponsors are the lifeblood of Heart Healing & Epona's Pastures efforts, and we are very grateful to sponsors, as we could not do it without your support. The average cost of taking care of a horse can be $200 to $250 or even more (such as when special medication is needed, or special food and care) per month.
Your sponsorship timeframe is solely your choice. Epona's Pastures is a registered 'not for profit' organisation and therefore all donations over $2.00 are tax deductible. If you would like to receive a receipt, please ensure you let us know via emailing bec_eponaspastures.com. For further information, please feel free to contact Bec via mobile on 0428 280 597 or email.
Monday, 23rd January 2012
Today the gorgeous 'Slick' had a visit from one of our beautiful supporters, Mr Colin Lacey (aka... Mr Magic Fingers Farrier Man). Slick has typical amazing standy feet with their toughness, but there are a few little issues that will be easily rectified with corrective trimming!
Even with just one trim from Colin, already Slick's pigeon toe started to turn out. Slick was a fabulous boy, waiting patiently and not causing any issues whilst being trimmed. He did at one stage try to whisper sweet nothings in to Colin's ear though.
Location
10 Macedon Close
NEW GISBORNE VIC 3438
Contact
bec_eponaspastures.com
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