The interactional experiences the child would have with the therapy horse would help to develop the child’s capacity for healthy relationships (Perry Bruce D M.D.,Ph.D. (2006)

 Many renowned child psychiatrists believe therapies including equine assisted therapies (and activities) can mitigate the damage done by early trauma, neglect or abuse.

Children who have been exposed to trauma  (i.e. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), neglect or abuse who participate in basic horse appreciation and bonding courses (like those programs offered by EBI),  that include (but not limited to) grooming, brushing, leading horses etc., will give the child a sense of calm accomplishment, comfort and security.  Experts believe positive “patterned and repetitive” involvement with horses can reshape the brain due to serotonin and dopamine being released into the child’s system.

Any effective treatment (therapy) for traumatised and (or) neglected or abused children needs to be done in an environment where the child feels safe and has an element of control.  The neuro-sequential approach (rocking, music, dance, animal massage therapy) work to stimulate and “reorganise” the lower brain regions. This means maltreated children can be “transformed” to functioning healthy adults

EBI works with local and state governmental agencies to help young people who have been exposed to trauma (including transgenerational and/or ongoing trauma) to start or restart engagement with community.  Unresolved trauma can mean a person’s self-worth and confidence is greatly diminished. Equine assisted therapy (and activities) used in conjunction with positive intervention strategies give participants the capacity for self-regulation and the ability to consider healthy relationship building.

Please contact us for further information.