Forward Strides

A SNAPSHOT INTO THE BENEFITS OF CHILDREN SPENDING TIME WITH HORSES

Kids all have something they would like to escape from, at least for a little while…whether it be general life stressors or more targeted worries about things like a move and a new school, death of a loved one, extended isolation as we saw with Covid, grades, making the team, friendships, problems at home, impending divorce, or inner emotions and thoughts that they just aren’t able to express to others. They long to be happy, to be free of responsibility, just hang out with peers and feel utter & complete joy in their day-to-day lives. Yet life isn’t that easy, and today’s youth have far more to navigate in their world than any generation before them. They deal with social media bombarding them with images and words that make them feel “inept,” “ugly,” “stupid,” “fat,” and even “worthless.” Suicide rates among our youth are climbing, and now more than ever, today’s youth need a place to safely reset themselves consistently, to forget about the outside world for a while and break the chronic stress. Here at Nod Hill Farm, home to US Horse Welfare & Rescue, your children have the opportunity to explore and develop meaningful relationships with our rescue horses while making new friends as we offer each of them an unparalleled experience and safe haven.

HOW DO WE DO IT? ……..ENTER THE HORSE!

The Horse, “a large plant-eating domesticated or wild mammal with solid hooves and a flowing mane and tail….

And which “studies have demonstrated time spent interacting with horses increases positive emotions, decreasing depression and increasing social connection skills in children and adults alike” (Horse Behaviour & Psychology by Annika McGivern, 2020).

The Connection with a horse is unlike any other experience…whether on the ground or riding the horse, there is no other feeling like it. It has been medically proven to improve both the physical and mental health of humans. Horses are increasingly becoming our therapists, our confidants, our best friends, our safe place where we are not judged. They provide a listening ear to tell secrets and troubles to. Horses FEEL our energy and provide constant feedback, allowing us to better understand our own energy and emotions and its impact on others. The horse is a healers.

The Stress for today’s youth is greater than ever, resulting in accompanying health risks, anxiety, depression, and a staggering increase in the suicide rate. More children are on medication to help them cope with the effects of these stressors than ever before and many are repeatedly foregoing a good night’s sleep. Parents seek help, yet often hit stone walls because traditional outlets for these kids just aren’t cutting it. “Talk Therapy” fails for a lot of youth. ENTER THE HORSE and the profound, and well-documented, benefits to today’s youth from spending quality time with and around horses in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

The Benefits & The Beneficiaries These programs are designed for both the differently-abled children, (such as those diagnosed with Autism,) as well as the neurotypical child. They have all experienced well-documented benefits from working with horses. We offer Unmounted “Ground” Programs as well as Mounted Programs.

Well Documented Outcomes include:​​

• Greater introspection, the discovery of inner strengths, and acknowledgment of the consequences of their actions and behaviors.

• Increased self-confidence, self-esteem, self-worth, and development of greater self-control

• Greater respect for others and setting/respecting appropriate boundaries, making new friends

• Reduction in anxiety, tension, and stress

• Expression of greater happiness

• Additionally, they learn patience, responsibility, team building, leadership, and more. Behavioral issues lessen. They continue to exhibit increased happiness as long as they continue to have intermittent horse time, whether mounted or unmounted (once a week is recommended whether mounted or unmounted).