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Horse Power for Everyone (HoPE)

HoPE is an equine-assisted program for helping individuals and families achieve wellness and wellbeing. Equine-assisted therapy can enhance the quality of life, physical strength, and emotional health of people dealing with a variety of life challenges.

Spending time with horses; handling them, brushing them, meditating, sitting quietly in their presence, journaling or making art, can enhance current therapies for a variety of physical and emotional circumstances, including depression, abuse, boundaries, substance abuse, and all levels of stress, fear, grief, and pain.

"Having a place to go where you are welcomed no matter how sick you feel, where you are supported and loved no matter how little you can give back, soaking up the peace and calm of the natural surroundings and the love of horses and their focus and ability to tune into our illness, hopes and fears… it all works in unison for me when I am there, so strongly that my pain goes away and my identity as a cancer survivor goes away - for that hour or so [when I work with the horses], I feel like a healthy, happy individual who has never been touched by such a devastating illness."
Beverly Hausner, Inspiration for HOrse Power for Everyone

Horse Power for Everyone helps you:

  • Relax and rejuvenate your spirit
  • Soothe mind and body, and release the tension and stress of daily life
  • Develop personal touchstones for coping with grief, fear, depression, and stress

Both the American Physical Therapists Association and the American Occupational Therapists Association recognize the effectiveness of Equine Assisted Therapeutic Activities.

The communities we serve include:

  • Caregivers
  • Individuals and families with relationship and boundary issues
  • Survivors of abuse
  • People in pain, stress and trauma
  • Individuals who want to discover a new and different way to meditate, relax, or just want some "me time"
  • Patients and survivors of life threatening illnesses

Why HoPE?

  • In the January 2007 issue of "Complementary Health Practice Review," Michele Morrison, MS, RN, of William Paterson University of New Jersey, stated that animal-assisted interventions showed a significant improvement in blood pressure, heart rate and salivary immunoglobulin-A levels, which is a marker for immune system health.
  • Many of the 190,000 people diagnosed with breast cancer each year and many more survivors, have no access to rehabilitation services and their needs go unmet.
  • In the 2007 report Light on Equine assisted Psychotherapy, the authors found that at-risk youths experienced a decrease in depression and an increase in self-esteem.
  • In their 2007 book about equine assisted therapy Schultz, Remick-Barlow & Robbins, reported improved psychological, social, and school functioning among children who had witnessed violence between parents and who had suffered child abuse.
  • According to Amy Gerberry, M.A., L.P.C., director of administrative services at Remuda Ranch - an eating disorders treatment program that requires equine therapy - "the horses offer a pure, nonjudgmental relationship" for patients.
  • According to a November 2009 article in "Science Daily," Francis Vlasses, Ph.D., RN, and associates at Loyola University found that patients receiving pet therapy required 50 percent less pain medication.

How the Horses and Donkeys Can Help You
Emotional Support: The undemanding, comforting presence of horses and donkeys can provide emotional support for stress, fear, and depression. The personal reality of your experiences in their presence can become touchstones you can turn to in times of difficulty.

Healing and Wellbeing: Reduced anxiety and stress, allowing the body to focus more energy on recovery

Reduced Pain: Service animals have been shown in numerous studies to reduce the perception of pain.

Trust: Learning to trust a horse aides in developing and restoring trust for those whose ability to trust has been violated.

Reduced Anxiety: Through grooming and other activities with a specific horse, you can set aside your worries by focusing on the care of another life.

Self-Acceptance: Being in the presence of horses, watching them express their individuality in their interactions with another helps us gain personal insight and a healthier sense of self.

Social Skills: A positive relationship with a horse is often a first, safe step toward practicing the social skills needed for closer relationships with people.

Assertiveness and Boundaries: Communicating effectively with a horse requires you to demonstrate assertiveness, direction, and initiative. Healing takes place as you begin to realize that the horse, although physically powerful, typically operates within the boundaries of a mutually respectful relationship.

Creative Freedom: Abuse, illness, stress, and the demands of daily life can cause us to lose spontaneity. The playful aspects of equine behavior can help restore spontaneity and the ability for healthy recreation and play.

Please contact Susan Schwartz to schedule your appointment. Groups welcome. 805-368-5702 / susan@heavencanwait.us

HoPE is not a substitute for medical and mental health care, but it can be an important addition to your care and therapy.