Equine Therapy at Stillwater
A key element of the Stillwater therapeutic milieu is the therapeutic animals, especially horses, that we use as incredible behavioral feedback tools. Horses, in particular, naturally reflect the emotions of the individual working with them. A poorly treated horse will, in turn, be unmanageable and reject direction by the handler. A calm and controlled demeanor by the handler (your teenager) will cause the horse also to be calm and controlled.
Animal-Assisted Therapy is Fun and Meaningful
Equine therapy provides the student unparalleled opportunities to see how their behaviors, outbursts, and reactions affect others. Lessons learned while working with horses help amplify other therapy modes by providing the student with personal feedback and a clear gauge for therapeutic progress. Moreover, caring for an animal also helps build responsibility and character. It gives the teen a new nonjudgmental friend to talk to instead of holding it all in.
Stillwater staff and students apply the Parelli Natural Horsemanship program to establish a trusting relationship with the horses. The Parelli system is an evidenced-based human and horse training system recognized the world over as the leader in humane horse/human relationship building.
This process provides a powerful metaphor for Stillwater students. Through it, they gain a sense of their self-worth, learn to conquer challenges/fears, how to have healthy relationships, and gain tools that help them in all areas of their lives.
Why We Use Horses to Help with Therapy
In this video Lee Caldwell talks about why horses are such an amazing therapeutic tool.
The Ranch
Located a quick 15 minute drive from our main campus Clementine Farms (or ‘the ranch’) is a fun place to play.
A Story Describing How Horses Help in Treatment
In this video Lee Caldwell shares a story that illustrates how powerful horses can be as part of the treatment process.
