Although it’s said that dogs are man’s best friend, clients would surely take issue with that at Strides in the Right Direction, where horses take top honors. Strides Co-Founder and Director of Therapeutic Services Deborah Mason said the program is dedicated to providing quality mental health services, personal growth, and educational opportunities to create positive change for children, adolescents, and adults by utilizing Equine Assisted Therapy.

Mason, who has undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and has worked in the mental health field across the state, got the idea for Strides while sitting in an airport in 2004. “I was reading an article in the American Quarter Horse Journal about the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA). The article talked about how Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) began and described the amazing work that was being done during therapy sessions with the use of horses. It was at that moment that I felt a rush of excitement at the possibility of combining my mental health career with my enduring love for horses. It was definitely one of those life-changing moments when, all of a sudden, I knew what I was meant to do.”

She explained EAP is closely related to Gestalt Therapy, the psychiatric therapy that uses body language as one of its basic tools. “EAP techniques use body language as their primary mode of communication. We analyze the client’s body language, as well as the horse’s body language. We also must be aware of our own body language and non-verbal communication. Especially with difficult or hard-to-reach clients, we can seldom rely on their verbal communication. The activities designed for the clients with the assistance of the horse make this non-verbal approach more effective. Dr. Fritz Perls, originator of Gestalt Therapy, is quoted as saying the mission of therapy is ‘not to explain things to the patient but to provide them with the opportunity to understand and discover themselves.’ This statement describes EAP’s mission. If you have a better understanding of your body language, you have a better understanding of yourself.”

After some time of planning, marketing, and getting certified with EAGALA, Strides accepted its first client in spring 2005. Strides in the Right Direction, located on a ranch in Manito, now has seven different horses used for EAP.

Not to be confused with “riding therapy,” Mason said Strides focuses on providing mental health treatment. “Ninety-five percent of our activities occur on the ground, interacting with our horses through experiential therapeutic activities. Participants develop relationships with our horses, but the primary goal is to develop personal growth and awareness—not horsemanship skills. Our program is certified Level I by EAGALA. EAGALA offers three levels of certification, and by spring 2006, Strides will be certified Level II and working towards Level III.”

She said Strides in the Right Direction caters to people and groups of all ages. “EAP has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families, and groups. EAP addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs, including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, communication skills, and anger management.”

The most common issues Strides helps people deal with are relationship problems and poor communication skills, she said. “A lot of families, children, adults, and groups don’t know how to effectively communicate and build healthy relationships. By participating in activities with our horses, clients learn about themselves and others by processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns. This approach has been compared to the ropes courses used by therapists, treatment facilities, and human development courses around the world. But EAP has the added advantage of utilizing horses—dynamic and powerful living beings.”

Mason said the success story of her first client is a good example of how EAP works. “She was an eight-year-old girl who was referred by a local mental health agency. She and her mother had been participating in traditional ‘talk’ therapy for about six months with little progress. The client had been seeing a psychiatrist and was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. She was being treated for both disorders with two different types of medications. At the time the call came in for the referral, the client, her mother, and their therapist were all very frustrated. The client wasn’t progressing as hoped. She was doing poorly in school and struggling with peer and family relationships. After three weeks of working with our horses—Picabo, Agrano, and Teddy—there was a recognizable difference in how she looked. She began smiling more, her eyes were sparkling, she wore ribbons in her hair, and she dressed in brighter colors. Her therapist was amazed at the improvements she was witnessing after just three sessions. Six weeks later, the client’s therapist had a conference with her school teacher. The teacher told the therapist, ‘Whatever you’ve been doing differently for the past six weeks, please keep doing it.’ Her grades had gone up; her behavior was more compliant and calmer. In fact, for the first time, she wasn’t on the referral list to see the school counselor. This is what EAP is all about.”

Mason knows firsthand the beneficial affect of horses. “I was 12 years old when my parents started me with riding lessons and then gave me my first horse, Tinker, for Christmas. There was an instant connection. I put my hand out, and Tinker rubbed his soft muzzle over my hand, sniffed it, and began licking me as if he was giving me a kiss. I immediately fell in love with him. Tinker, a Quarter Horse, was a 17 hands. Even though he was very big, he was a kind and gentle horse who quickly became my best friend. I trusted Tinker with my life; he made me feel very special and accepted me for who I was. It was Tinker who taught me about how powerful and rewarding the connection between people and horses can be.”

But for those who haven’t experienced the therapeutic nature of horses, Mason said a common question she receives is “why horses?” “Horses are large and powerful, which creates a natural opportunity for some people to overcome fear and develop confidence. The size and power of the horse are naturally intimidating to many people. Accomplishing a task involving the horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides wonderful metaphors when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life.”

She said horses are very much like humans in that they’re social animals. “They have defined roles within their herds; they would rather be with their peers. They have distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods. An approach that seems to work with one horse doesn’t necessarily work with another. At times, they seem stubborn and defiant. They like to have fun. In other words, horses provide vast opportunities for metaphorical learning. Using metaphors, in discussion or activity, is an effective technique when working with even the most challenging individuals or groups. Horses require work, whether in caring for them or working with them. In an era when immediate gratification and the ‘easy way’ are the norms, horses require people to be engaged in physical and mental work to be successful, a valuable characteristic in all aspects of life.”

Mason said the best part about being involved with EAP is watching the incredible healing that happens between the participants and the horses. “Horses have the ability to mirror exactly what human body language is telling them. Many people will complain, ‘the horse is stubborn’ or ‘the horse doesn’t like me.’ But the lesson to be learned is that if they change themselves, the horse responds differently. Horses are honest, which makes them especially powerful messengers.”

The most challenging aspect, she said, is educating therapists who use traditional talk therapy to recognize and understand the power of horses to facilitate the healing process for their clients. “I know there are many people who would benefit from this very effective therapeutic approach.” TPW