Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
An innovative therapeutic approach involving horses and humans in a rural setting.

What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?
JOYRIDE is a hands-on program that teaches people how to relate to the world around them through the use of horses as co-therapists. The horse is an essential tool in assisting the participant to open his awareness to self, others, and the environment.

How does it work?
Horses are highly sensitive animals and provide an unbiased source of feedback. They interpret our human emotions oftentimes before we are aware of them. Horses are big, powerful animals that demand immediate attention when a person is in their presence. They are naturally intuitive for the purpose of survival.  Because of this vulnerabilities are brought to the surface. The participant loses his ability to hide behind the Internet, computers and other technologies of our society. Working with horses is not microwaveable, it requires the participant to use his intellect, emotions, sensory system, and spirituality. From this heightened state of awareness new choices can be made that create clarity and balance in a person's life.  JOYRIDE's original targeted clientele was children and adolescence.  Over the past 19 years, the therapeutic program has expanded it's population to include adults, families, small groups and corporate administrators.  JOYRIDE's youngest participant is 4 and the oldest is 65.   

JOYRIDE focuses on four areas:

• Sensitivity to Self - Through the interaction with the horse, the participant learns to label core feelings: happiness, anger, sadness, and fear. He/she also learn how to display those feelings in a positive manner.
• Sensitivity to Others - A relationship must develop in order for the participant to effectively ride. The individual learns to communicate with the horse when he interacts with it. He/she must also learn to read the horse's body language and be sensitive to what the animal is trying to tell them.
• Balance - Riding a horse is a lot like life. The rider has to find his balance or he falls. In life, a person must discover his own personal formula or he will feel unbalanced and in conflict.
• Teamwork - Teamwork is also a key factor. An individual must learn to set boundaries with the horse without being inflexible. He/she has to develop a trust level with the horse so that he/she can negotiate together any obstacles that might arise on the trail.

Let's face it - nothing in life is completely predictable. Through JOYRIDE the participant learns life lessons that develop a balance that is long lasting and resilient.

Copyright 2003, Mary Sticken.  Photography by Mary Sticken.