Summer 2008 Somatics for Horses and Humans - PATH Intl · D ear Colleagues: This issue of EFMHA...

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Innately curious, generous and kind, horses are invaluable in equine facilitated work, where they are often compared to mir- rors: reflective of the human’s state of mind and heart.A mirror, like a reflecting pool, presents a surface that’s serene and clear.A consideration in choosing effective horses for equine facilited work is whether they are in a state in which they can be pres- ent to a situation and a person, take in information and be able to reflectively respond appropriately to the situation. Relaxed or Stiff: Who Can Help? Consider two horses. One is clear-eyed and aware. His pos- ture is relaxed and balanced; he can bend comfortably through his body,and raise or lower his head to view his surroundings or the approach of others; he can adjust his position easily. His movements are flowing,his footsteps precise and coordinated. He is curious and attentive, able to size up a person or a situa- tion and respond coherently. Look at another horse. His eyes are dully focused inward; his mouth is pinched, tight, ears askew. His back and neck appear stiff and straight as he stands heavily still or randomly paces. He might respond to a stimulus with a sudden jerk, and move off stiffly; he might only dully notice someone’s approach and appears ill at ease or confused when addressed. Which of these horses will be able to fully participate in an activity such as an equine facilitated psychotherapy session? The answer is both of them; but the second horse needs some help. Equine Hanna Somatics (EHS) is a technique that extends to horses the same benefits that Hanna Somatic Education offers to humans. By mirroring muscle contractures and assisting the horse in performing basic limb movements, EHS restores a healthy con- nection from the brain to the body,reducing pain and enabling the spine and limbs to be balanced and coordinated.A direct benefit to the horse is a restored awareness of himself, his environment and his relationship to his surroundings, including his fellow beings. A fully integrated horse is able not only to mirror the human condition, but also to model a serene and joyful pres- ence in the world. Respond in the Moment The horse and human participating in equine facilitated mental health activities may experience stress from time to time.The physiological changes caused by stress include elevated heart rate, elevated blood pressure and muscle contractions.The effects over time can lead to increasingly contracted muscles, restricted movement and discomfort. Keeping the horse and human comfortable and moving easily is essential for effective mental health work and maximum career life.The somatically Somatics for Horses and Humans By Eleanor Criswell Hanna, Ed.D. and Barbara Chasteen Summer 2008 • 1 EFMHA Preconference at Green Chimneys New Board Members Measuring Impact of Horse on Humans News from Australia Art of the Horse VOL 12 • ISSUE 2 • Summer 2008 EQUINE FACILITATED MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION A Special Interest Section of NARHA Continued on page four. Using Equine Hanna Somatics, Lisa Pruitt is inviting JJ to contract and slowly relax certain muscles of his left forelimb. Photo by Ira Flushman

Transcript of Summer 2008 Somatics for Horses and Humans - PATH Intl · D ear Colleagues: This issue of EFMHA...

Page 1: Summer 2008 Somatics for Horses and Humans - PATH Intl · D ear Colleagues: This issue of EFMHA News demonstrates in some meas-ure the growing internation - al scope of work in equine

Innately curious, generous and kind, horses are invaluable inequine facilitated work, where they are often compared to mir-rors: reflective of the human’s state of mind and heart.A mirror,like a reflecting pool, presents a surface that’s serene and clear.Aconsideration in choosing effective horses for equine facilitedwork is whether they are in a state in which they can be pres-ent to a situation and a person, take in information and be ableto reflectively respond appropriately to the situation.

Relaxed or Stiff: Who Can Help?Consider two horses. One is clear-eyed and aware. His pos-

ture is relaxed and balanced; he can bend comfortably throughhis body, and raise or lower his head to view his surroundingsor the approach of others; he can adjust his position easily. Hismovements are flowing, his footsteps precise and coordinated.He is curious and attentive, able to size up a person or a situa-tion and respond coherently.

Look at another horse. His eyes are dully focused inward;his mouth is pinched, tight, ears askew. Hisback and neck appear stiff and straight as hestands heavily still or randomly paces. Hemight respond to a stimulus with a suddenjerk, and move off stiffly; he might only dullynotice someone’s approach and appears ill atease or confused when addressed.

Which of these horses will be able to fullyparticipate in an activity such as an equinefacilitated psychotherapy session? The answeris both of them; but the second horse needssome help. Equine Hanna Somatics (EHS) is atechnique that extends to horses the samebenefits that Hanna Somatic Education offersto humans. By mirroring muscle contracturesand assisting the horse in performing basiclimb movements, EHS restores a healthy con-nection from the brain to the body, reducingpain and enabling the spine and limbs to bebalanced and coordinated.A direct benefit to

the horse is a restored awareness of himself, his environmentand his relationship to his surroundings, including his fellowbeings.A fully integrated horse is able not only to mirror thehuman condition, but also to model a serene and joyful pres-ence in the world.

Respond in the MomentThe horse and human participating in equine facilitated

mental health activities may experience stress from time totime.The physiological changes caused by stress include elevatedheart rate, elevated blood pressure and muscle contractions.Theeffects over time can lead to increasingly contracted muscles,restricted movement and discomfort. Keeping the horse andhuman comfortable and moving easily is essential for effectivemental health work and maximum career life.The somatically

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Page 2: Summer 2008 Somatics for Horses and Humans - PATH Intl · D ear Colleagues: This issue of EFMHA News demonstrates in some meas-ure the growing internation - al scope of work in equine

Dear Colleagues:This issue ofEFMHA News

demonstrates in some meas-ure the growing internation-al scope of work in equinefacilitated activities. We offera sampling of some of themany faces that this work istaking as it is being devel-oped by people in variousprofessions around theworld. It is gratifying that somany welcome the buildingof a global community bysharing their work in ourNews. Our thanks to them. I hope you enjoy these newperspectives.

In early May, the EFMHABoard of Directors gatheredin Ashland, Oregon for ourannual planning retreat. Wemet in one of the mostbeautiful landscapes of thePacific Northwest, a valleysurrounded by forested hillsand acclaimed by thousandswho return here every yearfor its remarkably rejuvenat-ing aspects. BuckhornSprings, a rustic retreat cen-ter just outside Ashland,housed us for four days ofintensive planning that wereenhanced by our rich sur-roundings. We focused onthe implementation of ourstrategic plan, looking at,among other things, thedetails of how to forge astronger working partnershipwith NARHA.

We also explored how toreach out to people doinghuman development workwith horses in ever increas-ingly more professions, madetough decisions for ourbudget in a challengingeconomy, and reviewed thework of all committees.

Curriculum DevelopmentIn particular, though, we

welcomed four new boardmembers who have beenappointed for the particularfocus on our most importantstrategic task—the imple-mentation of more trainingopportunities for our mem-bers, as well as others. Ournew board members areLeif Hallberg,Jan Loveless,JannaleeRedmond, andTanya Welsch.They come fromall across the US:Montana,California,Virginia, andMinnesota, withlong and variedexperience in writing cur-riculum for equine facilitatedpsychotherapy and learning.In this issue as well as ournext issue of EFMHA News,we will feature short biogra-phies about each of them.

In the meantime, theyare already diving into thepreparation of an impressivearray of educational offeringsfor you, our members. All ofthe offerings are gearedtoward preparing peoplewho may choose to sit foreither of the tests for certifi-cation in mental health oreducation with the inde-pendent Commission forCertified Equine FacilitatedMental Health andEducation Professionals(CCEFMHEP)www.equinefacilitatedprofessional.org).

The commission, whichdoes not provide trainingitself, is not affiliated withEFMHA but does providecertification for professionals,independent of any trainingorganization like us. Ourworkshops are not only forthose wishing to be certified.They offer our members andothers new ways to enhancesafety and professionalism inthe many forms of eitherequine facilitated learning orequine facilitated psy-chotherapy.

Collegial GatheringOn another note, on the

first evening of our gather-ing, we welcomed local resi-

dents who mighthave an interest inour work tospend an eveningsharing howEFMHA mightbetter supporttheir endeavors.More than 20people respondedto our invitation,something of asurprise in ourrural area where

we all tend to feel like weare pretty much working onour own. They underscoredthe interest in the benefits ofEFMHA and the desire formore training. In addition,they birthed an enthusiastic,ongoing collegial gatheringonce a month for sharing ofideas and resources, as well as support for challenges we face.

I encourage all of you toexplore the benefits of such acollegial gathering in yourown communities, howeversmall or large. Please feel freeto contact me if you’d like todiscuss the details of how tolaunch and enable such agroup. Email [email protected]

Want to Join Us?We noted that several

committees are seeking a few

EEFFMMHHAA''SS VViissiioonn SSttaatteemmeennttA world in which the

wisdom of equus moves us to develop and deepen our

greatest potential.

EEFFMMHHAA 22000077--0088BBooaarrdd ooff DDiirreeccttoorrss

PresidentTrish Broersma, MA, LMT

Ashland, [email protected]

Past PresidentAnn AldenSonoita, [email protected]

President ElectJody Enget

Palmer Lake, [email protected]

Vice PresidentJoseph Callan, LCSW

Tampa, [email protected] on page three.

The Equine Facilitated Mental HealthAssociation (EFMHA) is a section ofNARHA. EFMHA’s mission is to

advance the field for individuals whopartner with equines to promotehuman growth and development sothat our members, clients and equinescan succeed and flourish. Equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) isexperiential psychotherapy that

includes equines. It may include, butis not limited to, a number of mutual-ly respectful equine activities such ashandling, grooming, longeing, riding,driving, and vaulting. EFMHA has itsown board of directors and bylawsand operates within NARHA guide-lines and standards. EFMHA Newseditor seeks unsolicited material.EFMHA Professional Membership is $70 and includes NARHA mem-bership and its benefits. Contact

1(800) 369-RIDE for address changesand membership requests.

NARHA • PO Box 33150 Denver CO 80233

(800) 369-RIDE (7433) (303) 452-1212

Fax (303) 252-4610 www.narha.org

President’s Letter

EQUINE FACILITATED MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION2 • Summer 2008

EFMHA, working

for a world in

which the

wisdom of equus

moves us to

develop and

deepen our

highest potential.

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EFMHA NewsEditorial Board

Design/Layout:Beckie Smith

Text:Pam Kaster

Spring Issue Features:Lisa Reeves

Summer Issue Features:Kristin Mason

Fall Issue Features:Jan Loveless

Educational Opportunities:Eliza Love

Advisory: Ann C Alden

Barbara K RectorMaureen Vidrine

22000088 EEFFMMHHAA EEQQUUIINNEE SSPPEECCIIAALLIISSTT WWOORRKKSSHHOOPPSS

Georgetown (near Austin), TexasRide On Center for Kids (R.O.C.K.), August 5-7

Hartville (near Akron), OhioPegasus Farm, August 22-24

Laurinburg (near Fayetteville), North CarolinaSt. Andrews Presbyterian College, October 10-12

Cost$450 EFMHA Members

$525 Non-EFMHA Members (The Non-Member fee includes a one year membership to NARHA and EFMHA.)

Includes materials, lunches and a snackfor the three days.

Focus of Training• Role of the Equine Specialist when assisting or collaboratingwith human service providers.

• Designing safe, mutually beneficial and effective activities toenhance participant outcomes.

• Determining specific horse handling methods.• Understanding students with mental health and/or learningissues.

• Assessing the horse’s response to student behaviors and needs.• Helping prepare qualified participants to take the NARHAEquine Specialist Certification once available.

Training is designed for:Equine professionals

Therapeutic riding instructorsThose who wish to enhance their ability to work with mental health and education

professionals and their clients

To Register Application forms must be submitted two weeks before the

date of the workshop you wish to attend.Mail in or fax registration forms. (download forms

in pdf format at www.NARHA.org)

ContactTara McChesney ([email protected]) or Meghan Tawney([email protected]) at the NARHA office for questions

related to your application or the workshop.

SecretarySusanne Haseman

Wilder, [email protected]

TreasurerSuzen DyslinWindsor, [email protected]

EFMHA BOARDMEMBERS

Leif HallbergBozeman, MT

[email protected]

Louanne KamienowskiMesa, AZ

[email protected]

Miyako KinoshitaNew Milford, CT

[email protected]

Jan Loveless, PhDVisalia, [email protected]

Kristin MasonOld Lyme, CT

[email protected]

Martha McNielSan Martin, CA

[email protected]

Janalee RedmondBethesda, MD

[email protected]

Clare ThomasDover Foxcroft, ME

[email protected]

Tanya WelschSt. Paul, MN

[email protected]

Articles in EEFFMMHHAA NNeewwssdo not necessarily reflect the opinions and/or

standards of EFMHA or NARHA.

EQUINE FACILITATED MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION Summer 2008 • 3

EEFFMMHHAA TTHHUUMMBBNNAAIILL GGLLOOSSSSAARRYYEAA equine assisted activitiesEAT equine assisted therapyEFP equine facilitated psychotherapyEFL equine facilitated learning ES equine specialistHPOT hippotherapyHPCS hippotherapy clinical specialistTR therapeutic riding

More information on these terms and others is available at the EFMHAwebsite page: http://www.narha.org/SecEFMHA/Glossary.htm

more members to help withtheir tasks. Besides your loveof horses, do you have anotherskill that would enhanceEFMHA’s work? We are look-ing for skills like attention todetail and note-taking, finan-cial expertise, public relationsand marketing savvy, internettechnical know-how, andnon-profit administration. Ifyou’d like to know more,please contact MiyakoKinoshita, chair of our BoardDevelopment committee [email protected].

Don’t forget to check outelsewhere in the EFMHANews our extraordinaryOctober 28 pre-conferencethis year at the acclaimed,world famous GreenChimneys School. This is arare opportunity to learn howthis pioneering program canenhance your own work.

Trish BroersmaEFMHA [email protected]

President’s Letter continued

(

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Jan Butler Loveless, PhD, is a life-long student of horses and humans andpresident and founder of the J-BarRanch Center for ExperientialLearning. She has experience as a K-12teacher and administrator; a designer oftraining for corporate employees; and ashuman resources development andpublic relations consultant for industryand education.

Jan has a Ph.D. in English; an M.S. in landscape horticul-ture; a B.A. in English and biology, and she holds EquineAssisted Psychotherapy I certification from Equine AssistedGrowth and Learning Association (EAGALA). She is anequine-facilitated learning intern of Adventures in Awareness,working with Barbara Rector and Ann Alden. She has studiedequine-facilitated learning and therapy at Epona, and Human-Equine Alliances for Learning at Strides to Success. She is amember of the North American Riding for the HandicappedAssociation, the Equine Facilitated Mental Health Associationand the Equine Guided Education Association.

Jan writes regularly for Texas Horse Talk magazine, EquusSpirit, and Blaze: The Magazine for Horse-Crazy Kids. In Jan’s“Horse and Writer” courses, she combines equine facilitatedlearning with reading/writing improvement for at-risk kids,and horses with narrative autobiography for learners of all ages.You may read more about Jan’s work at www.jbar.com or reachher via e-mail at: [email protected].

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2008 EFMHAREGIONAL LIAISONS

CHAIRAnn [email protected]

REGION ONEConnecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, New Hampshire,

Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Rhode Island, Vermont EFMHA Region Liaison: Boo McDaniel

[email protected]

REGION TWODelaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C.

EFMHA Region Liaison: Open

REGION THREENorth Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia

EFMHA Region Liaison: Barbara [email protected]

REGION FOURIndiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Ontario

EFMHA Region Liaison: Kathleen [email protected]

REGION FIVEAlabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Puerto Rico

EFMHA Region Liaison: Starla Raiborn

REGION SIXManitoba, Minnesota, North Dakota, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Wisconsin

EFMHA Region Liaison: Nikki [email protected]

REGION SEVENIllinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska

EFMHA Region Liaison: Open

REGION EIGHTArkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas

EFMHA Region Liaison: Leslie McCullough [email protected]

REGION NINEAlaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington

EFMHA Region Liaison: Heidi [email protected]

REGION TENArizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming

EFMHA Region Liaison: Lisa [email protected]

REGION ELEVENCalifornia, Hawaii, Nevada

EFMHA Region Liaison: Martha [email protected]

EQUINE FACILITATED MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION

SomaticsContinued from page one.

4 • Summer 2008

integrated horse and human can respond to a situation moreauthentically in the moment instead of dealing with prior trau-mas and residual muscle contractions. The somatic work forhorses and humans can help both maintain a comfortable andrelaxed state.

Because horses are prey animals, they are “hard wired” forthe startle or fight-or-flight response. Humans also experiencethe startle response. When horses are startled, a brainstem reflexoccurs which causes muscle contractions and an increase inadrenaline level heart rate. Horses are frequently startledthroughout their lives; it is a survival mechanism. As the mus-cles contract, horses move or run. When the stretch reflex istriggered and the muscles re-contract the strength of the re-contraction sometimes creates a muscle spasm. Horses canbecome chronically contracted over time. Due to chronic mus-cle contractions, horses and humans develop characteristic pos-tures, movements and behaviors. They also develop pain, dis-comfort and restricted movement.

Welcome Aboard! Jan Butler Loveless, New EFMHA Board Member

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EQUINE FACILITATED MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION Summer 2008 • 5

Reset Major Muscle GroupsPictured on page 1 is Lisa Pruitt, an equine facilitated

educator, and her horse JJ, an equine co-educator. Lisa is facil-itating a pandiculation with JJ from the EHS basic protocol.She asked JJ to pick up his forelimb. Then she guided himinto abduction of his forelimb, which asked him to contractcertain muscles (deltoid, rhomboid, trapezius, supraspinatus,and infraspinatus muscles). Following voluntary contraction ofthe muscles, she will invite him to slowly lower his hoof tothe ground to its original position, which allows him todecrease the output to the muscles and relax them. The basicEHS protocol allows him to reset the tonus of all of the majormuscle groups in about an hour.

The basic somatic exercises for humans are described inthe book Somatics by Thomas Hanna. The exercises only takeabout ten minutes to complete once you know how to dothem. Usually done lying on the floor, they can be adapted tositting or standing. Other exercises for equestrians or equineprofessionals can be added. The exercises are done slowly, gen-tly and with awareness. The movements are repeated three tofive times in rhythm with breathing patterns. Many people dothem twice a day: in the morning to prepare for the day andin the evening to relax the muscles that have been used dur-ing the day.

Harmony between Horse and HumanThe human-horse relationship is by nature somatic: It is

the integration of two minds and two bodies, the mind andbody of the horse and the mind and body of the human. Therelationship is most effective when there is maximum somaticintegration of both horse and human. As human mind-bodyintegration can be enhanced, so too can equine mind-bodyintegration be enhanced. The result is a greater harmonybetween horse and human.

Eleanor Criswell Hanna, Ed.D., is Professorof Psychology, Sonoma State University, inCalifornia; editor of Somatics Magazine, andDirector of the Novato Institute for SomaticResearch and Training. Her books includeBiofeedback and Somatics: Toward PersonalEvolution and How Yoga Works: An Introduction

to Somatic Yoga. She developed Equine Hanna Somatics, an adapta-tion of Hanna Somatics for horses, in 1997. Eleanor can be contact-ed at: [email protected].

Barbara Chasteen, BA Zoology, has studiedequine anatomy, biomechanics, bodywork andrehabilitation for 20 years. A teacher, writer andillustrator, she lives with and rides her horses inNorthern California. She can be contacted at:[email protected].

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Somatics Is Not Just for HumansOver the years, I have worked with a number of eques-

trians from a variety of riding disciplines, teaching themHanna Somatics (HS), a hands-on technique of exercisesdeveloped by Thomas Hanna in the late 1980s.Approximately 10 years ago, Dennis Reis—the founder ofUniversal Horsemanship, Reis Ranch, Penngrove—invitedme to work with the riders in his month-long horse ridingclinic. During that time, Reis asked whether I thoughthands-on Hanna Somatics could be done with horses. I said,“Probably” and set about figuring out how to adapt HannaSomatics to horses.

In some ways horses are very much like humans, and inother ways they are quite different. Based on thousands ofsomatic sessions with humans, a study of horse anatomy andkinesiology, and 30 years of horse ownership, I developed abasic protocol for working with the major equine musclegroups. Since 1997 people throughout the United States havelearned to do EHS with their horses through demonstrationsor the introductory DVD. I have heard wonderful accounts oftheir horses’ responses. Jonathan Hunt (England), Brian Ingle(Ireland and India), Gayatri Schriefer (Sweden and India), andBarbara Chasteen, Phyllis Victory, and Eleanor CriswellHanna (United States) are the first certified Equine HannaSomatic Educators.

Different Parts of the BrainHorses have many reflex movement patterns, but they

also have voluntary motor control. Voluntary movementsrequire a different part of the brain from that required ininvoluntary movements. In EHS the horse is asked to use thefrontal lobe of its brain to control movements rather than thebrainstem motor tracts. The frontal motor control areas arethe only part of the brain that can relax muscles.

Unlike other approaches to equine somatic work, EHS ismore horse centered, i.e. the horse does the work; the practi-tioner facilitates the process. EHS is based on a natural ten-dency of the horse to pandiculate, a sign of wellbeing. Allvertebrates pandiculate, a full body contraction and relaxationthat looks on the surface like stretching. EHS is not a stretch.A stretch triggers the stretch reflex, a spinal cord levelresponse, which results in the muscle re-contracting to itsoriginal tonicity or beyond. In this case, the horse is changingthe muscle tonicity from within using its frontal cortexmotor control areas.

Many BenefitsEHS is appropriate for all breeds, all disciplines, and can

be adapted for different ages. From rescue horses to equineathletes—all can benefit from EHS. Benefits of EHS for thehorse include increased comfort, ease of movement, bettercirculation to muscles, ability to follow rider’s requests moreeasily, improved conformation/posture, enhanced joint func-tion, improved balance and coordination, increased precisionof movement and happier mood.

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EQUINE FACILITATED MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION6 • Summer 2008

Preliminary Practice in Measuring the Impact of Horses on Humans

BByy BBeetthh DDuuffff

BackgroundI am currently investigating why learning with horses is so

effective for a Ph.D. at Nottingham Trent University in theUnited Kingdom. I am coming to the end of my first year ofpart-time study—so I am still very much in the early stages. Interms of learning with horses, we have been offering The RedHorse Speaks™ programmes mainly to the corporate marketfor about five years. The feedback from participants has beenvery positive and so I am inspired to find out why this is so. Ihope that this will make learning with horses more credible inthe corporate training market as apparent lack of credibility isoften a barrier to sales.To date, many possible reasons have been put forward about

what happens when horses and humans get together and thereis plenty of anecdotal evidence about its power. But there isvery little quantifiable evidence of the benefits. The objectiveof this work is to find and test methods of providing such evi-dence in a way that honours the participants, the horses andthe educators.

ObjectiveLast summer, I joined up with Wisdom Horse™ Coaching

of Minnesota and The Healing Arts Wellness Centre inHudson, Wisconsin. My research was at a very early stage andI was keen simply to explore possible methods of collectingquantifiable data which, if successful, would form the basis forfurther studies. The planning for our study was all done viaemail and a couple of conference calls.I have known Ann Romberg and Lynn Baskfield from

Wisdom Horse™ Coaching since we met at an EAGALAconference in 2004. We quickly realised that we have a verysimilar approach to our work with horses and, more impor-tantly, share the same values both personally and professionally.We have always stayed in touch and look forward to our timetogether each year sharing a house at the Equine GuidedEducation Association (EGEA) conference. We did a jointpresentation on Perfect Partnerships at EGEA in 2007—so weknew we could do transatlantic partnership working too. I

have gotten to know Sue Wahl more recently also throughhouse sharing at EGEA.I am delighted to have this international aspect to my work.

I have many years of experience working internationally as afacilitator and business consultant; and I know that I need to beable to flex my style depending on the nationality and culturesrepresented within the groups with whom I am working. Thesame may apply to working with horses so having the interna-tional input to my research from the outset is a great bonus.

MethodOne of the pieces of equipment we chose for this early

study was the HeartMath® stress relief system which I haveused for my personal well being for some time. It was selectedas being reliable and easy to use as well as offering equipmentsuitable for both office and field based testing.The HeartMath® stress relief system measures Heart Rate

Variability which indicates the regularity and evenness of theindividual’s unique beat to beat dis-similarities—known as asine wave—within the heartbeat as well as the number ofbeats per minute. Having a very regular and even sine wave isdescribed as being in a state of psycho-physiological coher-ence. Put simply, reaching a state of coherence requires warm,positive thoughts felt in one’s heart as well as regular breath-ing. Coherent sine waves are seen most easily in people wellpracticed in meditation.We were joined at Healing Art Wellness Centre by eight

volunteers (seven women and one man) all of whom werecoaches, equine guided educators or both. Ann and Lynninvited the volunteers although I knew several of themthrough meeting them at conferences. The horses we workedwith were mainly Quarter Horses or Quarter Horse crossesand all were accustomed to doing equine facilitated work.Our initial experiment was very simple. Sitting inside, we

linked each person to the PC based HeartMath® programmeusing a finger pulse sensor and noted how long it took eachperson to reach a state of coherence and for how long theycould sustain it. None of the participants had used the device

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EQUINE FACILITATED MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION Summer 2008 • 7

do so or felt any anxiety—and yet something was clearly triggered by this action.This was a very small scale initial preliminary study. However,

we can now design a more comprehensive study specifically toexamine the hypothesis that being with horses is an effectivemeans of achieving coherence – and thus well being—a brainstate associated with increased capacity to learn. We will repeatit this year with a larger number of people, including some whomay be anxious around horses at the outset. The method itselfneeds to be refined as there was an element of “performanceanxiety” at the start of the test. We also need to correlate thePC and portable monitors more precisely to ensure that thetimings are completely accurate. A control group would alsohelp show if the coherence readings were due to time spentwith horses or to continued practice without horses present.

SignificanceWhile we are aware of some other studies (Gehrke &

Walters) working with the HeartMath® technology measuringthe impact of people on horses, none appear to be looking atthe possibility of enhanced learning capabilities in humans. Wefeel successful in that we appear to be developing a process forquantifiable measurement. We are aware of extensive research byHeartMath® in psycho-physiological coherence states inhumans and the resultant ties to enhanced health and cognitivecapacities. www.heartmath.com We know from existing knowledge about learning environ-

ments that people learn most successfully when they arerelaxed, free from stress and in a positive state of mind—whichis why punishment for failure to achieve is counter-productive.It appears from our preliminary experiment that just beingaround horses may actually help to put us in a frame of mind tolearn. This combined with our coaching; solution-focusedapproach during the actual learning itself is starting to give ussome possibilities for further examination as to potential reasonswhy our programme works so well.I am in the process of designing more experiments and

look forward to doing further work with my colleagues andfriends in the USA this summer. I am grateful to them fortheir support and to Ann Romberg and Nancy Peregrine forthe photographs I have used in this article. I am also gratefulto HeartMath® (through Hunter Kane, their licence holdersin UK) for allowing me to use their equipment for myresearch and to Lisa Walters, Director of EquuSatori for shar-ing the work she has done with Dr. Ellen Gehrke usingHeartMath® equipment.

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

PPrreeppaarriinngg ttoo tteesstt wwiitthh tthhee PPCC bbaasseedd eeqquuiippmmeenntt

TTeessttiinngg oouutt iinn tthhee ffiieelldd.. RReeaacchhiinnggccoohheerreennccee iinn tthhee pprreesseennccee ooff aa hhoorrssee..

before. It was noticeable that those people who included someform of meditation in their daily practice found it easier toreach and sustain coherence—in one case even when a tele-phone rang very loudly in the room we were using.We then moved outside into the pasture with the horses and

repeated the exercise with the portable HeartMath® devicewhile the person being monitored was stroking or standingnear the horses. We didn’t do any set activities. We simply letpeople be with the horses for about half an hour. We did not have a control group for this portion of our ini-

tial experiment; thus, we are unable to say if the participants’shorter time to coherence was the result of initial practice orthe actual presence of the horses.

ResultsIn all cases, people reached coherence and sustained it for

longer in the presence of the horses. This very simple study notonly gave us some measurements, it did appear to indicate thatjust being with horses was good for our volunteers. Clearly theactivities many of us use when working with people and horsescan provide additional and valuable learning but it would seemthat just being with horses also has a value and perhaps con-tributes to our readiness to learn.There was one interesting reading, however, which is wor-

thy of further investigation. Several people walked around thehorses while they were stroking them and, in all cases, therewas a momentary loss of coherence whilst walking round theback of the horse. This was surprising as no one was afraid to

Beth Duff is a coach, facilitator and equineguided educator who works with individualsand companies worldwide, helping them growand flourish through developing their peopleand their business. She holds an MA (hons) inPhilosophy and is currently researching for herPhD at Nottingham Trent University inEngland where she also lectures from time totime. She is based in Midmar, Aberdeenshire,

Scotland and can be contacted by telephone on +44 (0) 1330833556 or by email: [email protected]

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NEWS FROM

Riding for the Disabled AssociationNew South Wales (RDANSW), Australia

BByy KKeerrrryy JJoohhnnssttoonn

EQUINE FACILITATED MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION8 • Summer 2008

I am delighted to write this article on Equine FacilitatedMental Health “Australian style”. The mission statement ofRiding for the Disabled Association New South Wales is: toprovide equine assisted activities to people with disabilities inorder to develop and enhance their abilities. This non profitvolunteer organization is comprised of thirty eight (38)member centres throughout the state catering to approxi-mately 1,600 riders.

Riding for the Disabled Association New South Wales isadministered by a board of directors which organizes insur-ance for its member centres and sets the coaching and safetystandards and qualifications for the coaches. Riders pay anannual affiliation fee of $55 and eachcentre is responsible for the fee chargedfor the sessions.

Part of the organizational structureis the Coaching and Safety Panelwhose role is to oversee and encouragethe implementation of a quality coach-ing system which strongly emphasizesthe safety of riders, coaches and volun-teers. The Coaching and Safety Panel islinked to the Discipline Committees ofDressage, Carriage Driving, Vaulting,Hippotherapy and Mounted Games.Members of these committees plantheir activities and provide reports tothe Coaching and Safety Panel.

New Subcommittee FormedIn 2006 a subcommittee on “Equine Facilitated Mental

Health” was formed as one of the Discipline Committees ofthe Coaching and Safety Panel for Riding for the DisabledAssociation New South Wales. Its four subcommittee mem-bers (three coaches—Margot Bulger, Fiona Little and myselfand a psychiatrist, Dr. Jo Shannon) created the ConnectionsProgram and provided the following information to coachesat the Riding For the Disabled centres in New South Wales.

“Connections” is an equine facilitated mental health andexperiential learning program in which horses are the pivotalforce in creating positive outcomes and benefits. The term“Connections” refers to thoughts, feelings and actions withthe co-facilitators (coaches and horses), clients and the widercommunity. The clients learn to apply skills they have learnedinto their homes, schools, work places and communities. Thepurpose of the program is to become more self aware and to

grow personally through interaction with horses. Connectionsis not a traditional horse riding program. Most of the resultscome from the work the clients accomplish from the ground.

While Equine Facilitated Mental Health programs are rel-atively new in Australia, at present there are three Riding forthe Disabled Centres conducting programs aimed at the areaof mental and behavioural disorders. These programs areoffered by centres at Tumut (260 miles kms south of Sydney),Wagga Wagga (290 miles south of Sydney) and Ballina (600miles north of Sydney). At Ballina there are groups attendingfrom a drug rehabilitation centre, Department of CommunityServices, Support Services for people with a mental illness and

aged care facilities.Many coaches are interested in this

area of work and are invited to partici-pate in an equine experience first handat the Ballina and District Centre. Theprogram offered by the Ballina andDistrict Centre is based on the knowl-edge I gained in the United Statesduring my participation in Adventuresin Awareness Workshop with BarbaraRector, various other workshops andmy own personal experiences withhorses throughout my life.

The program at Tumut is coordi-nated by Margot Bulger, Senior Coachat a Riding for the Disabled Centre in

New South Wales. Margot has the support and interest of themental health workers in that area.

Coach BulgerMy name is Margot Bulger, I am 44 years of age, and a

mother of an adult daughter who is happy and successful, twobeautiful teenage sons and the proud grandmother of twovery precious granddaughters. I have a fine son-in-law and amthe wife of a wonderful giving and caring man. Yes, I amextremely lucky. As long as I keep realizing this, I will staycentered in my life. Some people aren’t that lucky or don’thave the life skills to achieve this. That doesn’t mean that theywill never have a chance and all is hopeless. I believe thatsomewhere in their life there is a positive which they candraw upon. If someone holds out a hand to them, they mayhave a chance.

I live in a small country town of Tumut in Australia, witha population of 6,500. In the past year we had approximately

“I have been involved

with horses since I was

tiny and know only too

well the emotional well

being they create and

he love they give.”

-Coach Bulger

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Summer 2008 • 9

six suicides, the majority of those young males. It terrifiesme that these young lives were wasted and the thoughtbecomes more terrifying when I see how little help is avail-able for them, their families and their schools. The teacherwho brings out a group of teenagers for our EquineFacilitated Mental Health program has a saying which is onlytoo real, “A community raises a child, not just a family”.

I have been involved with horses since I was tiny andknow only too well the emotional well being they createand the love they give. I am a Senior Coach with Riding forthe Disabled (New South Wales) and have witnessed first-hand the therapeutic benefits horses bring many times overthe past twelve years at our centre in Tumut.

Equine Program Offers a Mental HealthResource

The Equine Facilitated Mental Health program beganhere in Tumut nearly four years ago, almost completely bychance. I was contacted by the mental health worker, Anne,for teenagers and adolescents from our local CommunityHealth Department. These workers are in high demand incountry areas as are all the resources for young people inneed. Anne contacted me saying she had a 16 year old girlwho had recently been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Annesaid that the only thing she could find that Sue (student’sname has been changed to protect confidentiality) was inter-ested in was animals and she thought she would like horses.

Anne explained that Sue could be a bit erratic especiallyif she was uncomfortable, but she was not violent. Annewondered if Sue could join RDA (Riding for the DisabledAssociation). With some trepidation I agreed to meet Sueand her mum at the RDA Centre. One of my most trustedhelpers and I waited after the class to meet them. Luckily wehad turned the horses out for the day. When Sue arrived Idid the same as I do every time someone new comes outand greeted her with a handshake. It was all too much forher and we experienced some very bizarre behaviour. Sue’smum assured us that she had never been violent and was sodesperate for help we decided to try another day.

Beau’s Gentle MannersThe next time Sue came out I was very low key and

quiet. I slowly introduced her to Beau, a lovely, good naturedquarter horse who stole Sue’s heart. As soon as the smilecame across Sue’s face we knew we could do this. From thatday on Sue hasn’t had a bad day at RDA. Sue also has sightimpairment. One sign of how ill Sue was when she firstjoined us was that the doctor who signed her medical formdidn’t even mention the sight problem. Sue had to spend sixmonths in Sydney while her medication was regulated. Suewent on the following year and competed at the RoyalEaster Show in the Mounted Games with Riding for theDisabled. As long as we use only positives and accept thatsome days are better than others, she is fine, and yes Beaustill holds her heart.

Kerry Johnston is a founding member of theRiding for the Disabled Association New SouthWales (NSW) Ballina and District Centre onthe north coast of New South Wales, Australia.She has been coaching at this centre since1979.She is a Senior Coach and State Assessor

with Riding for the Disabled AssociationNSW and is a member of the Coaching and

Safety Panel of Riding for the Disabled Association NSW.In 2000 she travelled to the United States (US) on a Churchill

Fellowship to study horse programs for people with mental andbehavioural disorders. During this visit she attended the Horses andHealing Workshop at Horse Power with Boo McDaniel in Temple,New Hampshire; Adventures in Awareness Workshop with BarbaraRector in Arizon; and Horse Time with Maureen Vidrine inAtlanta. She also attended workshops and conferences in the UnitedStates in 2001 and 2005. She can be reached at [email protected] or [email protected]

EEddiittoorr’’ss NNootteeEach country uses varying terminology. In the United Stateswe use the term “instructor;” in Australia the term used is“coach.”

Continued on page eleven.

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

EQUINE FACILITATED MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION

BBeeaauu ssttoollee SSuuee’’ss hheeaarrttwwiitthh hhiiss qquuiieett mmaannnneerrss..

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EQUINE FACILITATED MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION10 • Summer 2008

dents to compare the magical *tolt to Big John’s trot, andBlack Jack, a Welsh cross, is the class “demo horse” on thelonge line and at liberty.

Starting Small with an Eye for Safety andPersonal Growth

Starting on a small scale with three adult students pro-vided an ideal situation for one-on-one work. Over a periodof six weeks, we met at the barn just before sunset andworked through the “magic hour”—the time of day whenthe sunlight becomes soft and the long, late afternoon shad-ows turn to dusk. I am fortunate to call a rural valley myclassroom, with barn, arenas and paddocks surrounded by aframe of farmland and forest. As the sessions progressed fromlate summer into autumn, we all marveled at the quality ofthe light, the leaves’ changing colors, and the deepeningthickness of the horses’ coats.

Art of the Horse Program Serves as Model for Equine Facilitated

Learning in Upstate New YorkBByy RRoobbiinn PPaarrooww,, NNAARRHHAA RReeggiisstteerreedd LLeevveell IInnssttrruuccttoorr

Exploring the world of the horse by combining thera-peutic riding and art has been an interest of mine for manyyears. My college degree in photography provided an artis-tic background to truly see and capture the beauty of thehorse, while being a NARHA instructor routinely bringsme students who could deepen their experience throughexpressive art as a conjunct to therapeutic riding sessions.My desire to provide a venue for adults to experienceequine activities, riding, and art culminated in the creationof “Art of the Horse” near Albany, New York.

My teaching team includes Pamela Smith, a talented,licensed art teacher, and my three horses: Big John, a mas-sive draft cross, provides safe, comfortable opportunities toexplore bareback riding; Osk, an Icelandic mare, allows stu-

JJoouurrnnaalliinngg aanndd sskkeettcchhiinngg hheellpp tthhee ssttuuddeennttss ddrraaww oonn tthhee ccrreeaattiivviittyy tthheeyy ffeeeell iinn tthhee pprreesseennccee ooff tthhee hhoorrsseess..

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Pamela and I discussed students’ needs and progressfrom week to week to ensure an overlap of experience andexpression for each participant. Sessions began by setting upeasels, stretching and grooming/tacking a horse. An equinetheme, like anatomy, evolution, senses or herd dynamics wasdiscussed. One by one, each student left the group for a private riding lesson. Pamela worked with the remainingstudents on drawing and painting techniques as our equinemodels stood grazing or looking back at the group. Pamalso provided inspiring examples of equine art by theMasters, and close up sketches of horse legs and hooves for reference.

Providing a Creative Flow between Riding andArtistic Expression

I teach balanced seat riding with no saddle to get inthe way of the movement between rider and horse. Ridingbareback with a thin pad and surcingle was a challenge forall three students. Although two of the three women hadsome riding experience, none were prepared for the move-ment and rhythm of Big John’s walk. All were faced withthe challenge of sitting deep, allowing the therapeuticmotion to rock them side-to-side and trusting the fourstrong legs beneath them. Each student addressed the issuesof trust and control independently. In her own way, eachmet the challenges through various exercises like ridingwith closed eyes and learning to sit the walk with hands onhips, shoulders and helmets without pitching forward ortightening the legs. Each student learned to breathe deeplywhile riding, and learned to identify when she wasn’tbreathing at all. They learned that halting Big John andOsk simply meant breathing out and sitting deeply, andthat the cue for walking on was merely sitting upright andbreathing in.

Big John and I have been a teaching team for 11 years.He knows his job so well that I see his eye and ear switchbetween me and the rider as each session progresses. Hewaits to see me begin to back off, allowing the studentmore independence, and meets them where they are. Bothhe and Osk (a therapy horse in training with only fouryears on the job) explore space with each rider, adapting tothe amount of instruction they are getting from the rider.During one lesson, a student was amazed that turning ahorse in a circle was 90% preparation and 10% effort. Aslong as she focused, looked where she was going, andbrought her inside shoulder slightly back, Big Johnturned—without reins! Doing this exercise empowered her:her posture changed, her voice became stronger, and her arttook on a bold style. Over the six-week period, all studentsprogressed to ride bareback independently in the arena andsat comfortably to John’s trot and Osk’s tolt.

Journaling Adds another Perspective After riding, students returned to the group to silently

make journal entries about their riding experience. Onestudent expressed a breakthrough in her comfort level andability to trust in this entry:

EQUINE FACILITATED MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION Summer 2008 • 11

Osk, the Icelandic Horse, the Beautiful MareAs I adjusted myself upon her andwalked, at first uneven, then graduallyour gait became one.

Another journal entry described riding Big John:

Riding Big JohnI felt on top of the world, perched on hisback high above the chirping crickets. Hismassive, wide back was accepting andcalm, and as he started to walk I adjustedby sitting deeply, and relaxed as his hipsswayed. I could close my eyes confidently. Ifelt safe, as he was attentive to me as wewalked along. He seemed to be happy tocarry me… He was a sweet gentleman.

Art Exhibits and Future PlansClosure each week involved discussing the horses, the

feelings that surfaced during riding and painting, and anopportunity to share journal entries. A few months later, weall met up again to hang an exhibition of student work at alocal café, providing the opportunity for all of us to regularlyvisit the paintings and drawings with friends and family; andrevel in the accomplishments we all shared.

It is my hope to use this class model to expand the pro-gram to include “Word of the Horse,” combining therapeuticriding with writing short stories, prose and poetry, and “Musicof the Horse,” where the rhythms and gaits of the horses willinspire music composition.

*Definition of tolt from http://tolt.8m.com/tolt.html In addition to the traditional walk, trot and canter, theIcelandic Horse performs two extra gaits, the TOLTand FLYING PACE. The tolt is an extremely smoothfour-beat gait, much like the running walk that allowsthe rider a virtually bounce-free ride at speeds up to 20mph. The tolt is a natural gait, no artificial aids areneeded and you often see foals tolting in the pasture.

Robin Parow is a NARHA instructorwho manages a program near Albany,New York. Her program provides ridinglessons and equine activities to both able-bodied riders and riders with physicalchallenges, ages 3-65.

She has been featured on Animal Planetfor animal assisted activities in nursinghomes with the country’s first equine tobe certified by Delta Society’s Pet

Partners Program. Her therapy horse, Big John, was featured inEquus magazine, after his transformation from rescue horse into areliable teammate in her therapeutic riding program. Robin can bereached at [email protected]

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

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EQUINE FACILITATED MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION12 • Summer 2008

EEFFMMHHAA ““LLiissttsseerrvv”” TTrreennddss

LLiissttsseerrvv TTrraaffffiicc ffoorr tthhee PPaasstt TThhrreeee YYeeaarrss

EEFFMMHHAA lliisstt TTrraaffffiicc oovveerr ttiimmee

EEFFMMHHAA lliisstt TTrraaffffiicc,, TToottaall PPoossttss && AAvveerraaggee,, bbyy MMoonntthh

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Totals

2007 70 135 124 121 169 100 295 268 208 143 125 96 386

2006 125 87 129 175 128 112 138 22 73 101 72 78 324

2005 0 0 0 110 338 157 72 44 55 60 44 74 295

Total 195 222 253 406 635 369 205 334 336 304 241 248

We’ve been calling it our “Listserv” for years, but just asall tissues are not Kleenex and all copiers are not Xerox,not all email groups are LISTSERV®. EFMHA has anactive Yahoo! Group. It isn’t a LISTSERV, but it workssomewhat similarly, and regardless of the name, our Yahoo!Group is both useful and engaging.

What’s a Yahoo! GroupIt's where people with a shared interest meet, get to knoweach other, and stay informed. Your group gives you instantaccess to:• Shared message archives• Photos and photo albums• Group event calendars• Member polls and shared links 1

EFMHA has recently looked at the use of our Groupfrom its beginning in May of 2005 through the end of2008. There has been strong, steady growth over time inthe number of members participating and the number ofposts, with some occasional spikes. At the end of 2008 westood at 769 Group members, and we are still growing.

To join the EFMHA Group,• Log on to the NARHA website at www.narha.orgor to http://heatlth.groups.yahoo.com/groupEFMHA-Open/

• Click “more” inside the EFMHA box• Click “join the EFMHA listserv”• If you have a YAHOO! ID just sign in and follow thedirections to join the EFMHA Group (“listserv”)

• If you don’t have a Yahoo! ID just click on the text thatsays “Sign Up”

• If you have any problems or questions about thisprocess, email Brad Lewis at [email protected]

Be a part of the discussion. Join the EFMHA email Grouptoday!

1. www.yahoo.com

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EQUINE FACILITATED MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION Summer 2008 • 13

EFMHA is excited to announce that Green Chimneys will host this

year’s EFMHA Pre-conference workshop in Brewster, New York,

October 28, 2008. The Annual NARHA-EFMHA Conference is

scheduled for Oct 29–Nov 1, 2008 in Hartford, CT, with more

EFMHA forums and equine facilitated mental health and learning

seminars. Green Chimneys is a pioneer in providing animal assisted

therapy in a residential treatment setting for children. Check the

Conference section of the NARHA website for more details as they

become available at www.narha.org.

The 2008 EFMHA Pre-Conference Workshop participants will gain a programmatic overview of how Green

Chimneys (a NARHA Premier Accredited Center) provides a variety of treatment services to students with

special needs and maintains a therapeutic milieu that incorporates animals, plants and nature.

The presentation will introduce a brief history, theoretical foundation and

extensive tour of the program. In addition it will examine detailed aspects of

how animal assisted therapy, animal assisted activities, horticultural therapy and

nature based therapy are conceived, applied and evaluated by a variety of profes-

sionals (including special education teachers, psychotherapists, social workers,

speech therapists and occupational therapists) in order to support and enhance

the educational, social, emotional and medical treatment of 180 children ages

5–15 who have been identified as having psychological, social emotional or

behavioral special needs.

This workshop is ideal for the educator, mental health professional or other practitioner interested in implement-

ing a diversified nature-based program for special populations. While working with horses will be an integral part

of the presentation, this is a unique opportunity for both EFMHA and NARHA members to experience a more

integrated approach to working with the world of nature in a therapeutic setting. Come join us for this exception-

al workshop followed by the NARHA National Conference and Annual Meeting, October 29-November 1.

The cost of the pre-conference workshop is $145 for EFMHA members and $175 for non-members.

The fee includes lunch and transportation from the Hartford Marriott Downtown Hotel to Green Chimneys

(about 90 minutes away).

RReeggiisstteerr OOnnlliinnee ffoorr EEFFMMHHAA WWoorrkksshhooppwww.narha.org/conference/2008/conference2008.asp

GGrreeeenn CChhiimmnneeyyss ttoo hhoossttEEFFMMHHAA PPrree--ccoonnffeerreennccee aatt tthheeNNAARRHHAA NNaattiioonnaall CCoonnffeerreenncceeOctober 28, 2008

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EQUINE FACILITATED MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION14 • Summer 2008

HUMAN-EQUINEALLIANCES FOR LEARNING (HEAL)

July 11–13, 2008Bellingham, Washington, USAThe Horse-Human Connection:Equine-assisted Psychotherapy andLearning

August 15–1,7 2008 Chehalis, Washington USAEnergy and Grace: The Horse-HumanConnection

September 6–8, 2008Cornwall, EnglandThe Horse-Human Connection:Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy andLearning

September 12–14, 2008Near Newtown, Powys in WalesInvisible Horsemanship™: Riding fromInside

September 19–21, 2008Gloucestershire, EnglandTaking the Reins: Healing HumanTrauma with Horses

22000099June 15–20, 2009 Chehalis, Washington, USAHEAL Facilitator Training Program forEFL (Equine Facilitated Learning) Onsite instruction weeks; four-monthprogram also includes distance learningand individualized mentoring

October 19–24, 2009Chehalis, Washington, USAHEAL Facilitator Training Program forEFL (Equine Facilitated Learning)Onsite instruction weeks; four-monthprogram also includes distance learningand individualized mentoring

For Further information on these Eventsplease contact: Leigh Shambo, MSWPhone Number: (360) 266-0778Email: [email protected]: www.humanequinealliance.org

ADVENTURES IN AWARENESS

July 30–August 3, 2008Blacktail RanchWolf Creek, Montana,USAHEART BEATS AND HOOF BEATS:Practicing the Art of PresenceFacilitators: Melissa Shandley, LaurieLevon and Barbara Rector Revitalize your self while experiencingthe creative gifts of expressive arts withthe help of horses. This workshopinvolves at least two days of riding onwell-seasoned ranch horses.

ADVENTURES IN AWARENESSAT ESPERANZA STABLESSeptember 17–21, 2008Sonoita, Arizona, USAFacilitation SkillsResidential experiential learning andpractice with core essential elements ofAdventures in Awareness. 55 minutessoutheast of the Tucson airport in thehigh cool country. Contact [email protected]

INTEGRAL HORSE MAPPINGSpring, 2009 Apache Springs RanchSonoita, Arizona, USATrain the Trainers seminar in IntegralHorse-Mapping with Gerhard & KarinKrebs of Erbach, Germany.Empowering process working with thehorses for clinicians, educators, horseprofessionals and life coaches.For morew information & to register:www.adventuresinawareness.net

STROZZI RANCH

Sept 29–Oct 3, 2008Sonoma County, California, USAEquine Guided Education- 1This program is ideal for folks who wantto expand their experience and knowl-edge of equine behavior and communi-cation and who want to focus on refin-ing their personal and professional goals.

January 29–31, 2009Sonoma County, California, USA5th Annual Big Sky Horse Conference

For further information on these events:Contact: Ariana Strozziwww.strozziranch.comwww.equineguiededucation.org707-876-1908

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Educational Opportunitieshave not necessarily beenreviewed by NARHA orEFMHA and should not beconsidered sponsored orendorsed by EFMHA orNARHA. They are offeredhere as an informationalservice to our members. Seethe last page of EFMHANews to submit informationon your own events inentries of 250 words or less.

Anyone who submits an edu-cational opportunity mustbe a current NARHA-EFMHA member, and if theyhave a website, EFMHAmust be mentioned on itand listed on any links page.

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EQUINE FACILITATED MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION Summer 2008 • 15

I would like to become an EFMHA member!(NARHA Individual Membership also included)

Name______________________________________

Company/Center Name________________________

Address_____________________________________

City/State___________________________________

Zip______________________

Home Phone_______________________________

Work Phone________________________________

Fax________________________________________

E-mail_______________________________________

EFMHA Membership Level:� � EFMHA Professional Membership $70

� � I am already a NARHA member.Please add EFMHA section to my membership $25

� � My gift in the amount of _______________is enclosed.

Please check one:� � Check enclosed payable to NARHA.� � MasterCard � � Visa � � AmExp

Card#____________________________Exp _____

Signature___________________________________

PO Box 33150Denver, CO 80233

(800) 369-RIDE (7433)(303) 452-1212

FAX (303) 252-4610www.narha.org

NARHA

Fall is nearly here, show your colors!Visit the EFMHA website to purchasestylish and durable clothing that showsour EFMHA pride! From extra-heavy,

100% cotton shirts embroidered with theEFMHA logo to hats, warm vests and hooded jersey jackets you can wear for work or play, the beautiful stone washed colors or rich hues

make our EFMHA brand colors pop!

Purchase your EFMHA wearables at the National Conference, or go the NARHA Store. www.narha.org

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North American Riding for the Handicapped Association

EFMHA NewsP.O. Box 33150Denver, CO 80233 USA

EFMHA News Needs You!Our newsletter is a primary way that we can communicate with each other, offering ideas, questions, answers, andopinions. It is important to fill our newsletter with information that is of interest to you, our members. Whatwould you like to see in these pages, and more importantly, what can you contribute?Please share your writings and photos on the following:

• Rider/Client Profiles• Therapy Issues• The Nuts & Bolts/Oats & Picks of Teaching• Mental Health Related Items• Events at your Center• Photographs of your program• Creative Writing/Art by Riders/Clients• Profile of your Services• Favorite Lesson Activities

Please submit any of the above for consideration by January 10, April 10, or August 10 of each year to:Pam Kaster, email: [email protected] or phone: (225) 658-2323 Eliza Love, email: [email protected] for submissions to Educational OppurtunitiesFor details of submission, see Guidelines for Authors on the NARHA/EFMHA website:www.narha.org/SecEFMHA/EFMHA_Author_Guidelines.htmThank You!

EQUINE FACILITATED MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION16 • Summer 2008

Too Hot to Trot?If the heat is keeping you from enjoying your summer with a horse, please consider a gift to EFMHA instead. It is a cool thing to do

for yourself and for EFMHA.

� $25 � $50 � $100 � Other_________

NON-PROFIT ORG.

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