Spending too much time at the office? Need a break? Consider working with horses! Horse therapy and other horse experiences can decrease stress, increase mindfulness, and improve the amount of time you spend outside. In this article, we’re going to explore the many horse-related activities that are available and their associated benefits so that you can determine which one is right for you.
Spend Time with the Herd
Feeling adventurous? Want a fun way to get in some light to moderate exercise? Spending time with the herd is a great way to relieve stress and get your heart pumping. Hand-walking a horse is great exercise for you and the horse, as is simply walking among horses when they are out in the fields. Do this enough and you’ll begin to feel one with the herd as it is a great bonding experience as well.
Meanwhile, you will be taking in the fresh air and getting all the added benefits of spending time outdoors including lowered cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increased mindfulness. Furthermore, working with horses and other animals boosts your oxytocin and serotonin levels. Increased levels of oxytocin, known as the “love hormone”, means you are less likely to be depressed or anxious. Meanwhile, an increase in serotonin helps to balance mood and improve sleep and bone health.
Horseback riding is also included as part of equine-assisted psychotherapy or EAP. EAP is often used to help treat substance use disorders, PTSD, eating disorders, dementia, and many other conditions. But more on that in the next section.
Horse Therapy
Horse therapy or EAP is the practice of including horses in the therapeutic process. Those participating in horse therapy engage in a number of horse-related activities all while under the watch of a therapist or similar mental health professional.
EAP is great for individuals that struggle with emotional regulation, confidence, and responsibility. It is also highly effective for those who experience high levels of stress and anxiety.
One of the main reasons working with horses proves so effective is that they do not pass judgement. A primary goal of therapy is to provide a space that is non-judgmental so that clients are able to open up and feel comfortable. Both horses and the outdoors help create such a space, one that simply cannot be found in a stuffy office building.
Additionally, horse therapy is great for nearly all ages from young children to mature adults. Because horse therapy is open to such a large age range, many places that provide such services have found ways to cater to old people, children, and everyone in between. For instance, some programs include horse-and-buggy riding rather than or alongside of traditional horseback riding.
Horse Meditation
Looking for a new way to meditate? Well look no further because once you learn about horse meditation, you’ll be sold.
So what is horse meditation? Horse meditation or equine-guided meditation is a type of meditation that is performed in the company of horses. Typically, horse meditation occurs in a group setting and there is someone present to guide the session. Like other forms of meditation, session lengths can vary but typically fifteen minutes is a good time for beginners.
Horse meditation carries with it many benefits including increased mindfulness, productivity, and creativity. Like many forms of meditation, regular practitioners can also expect to be less stressed and less anxious. So give horse meditation a try!
Horse Care and Maintenance
A lot goes into taking care of horses which is why owning a horse is not right for most people. However, whether you are taking part in horse therapy or visiting your local horse sanctuary, there are plenty of horse-related duties to perform that carry with them physical and mental health benefits.
For instance, you could spend some time grooming a horse. To ensure that a horse stays healthy, it is recommended that they be brushed at least once per week, although some horse-owners brush every day. This allows you to maintain the health of the horse’s coat and to check for any skin issues that may have developed.
Brushing, in particular, is a great way to form a bond with a horse. Horses are sensitive, intelligent animals and they react positively toward those that care for them. When you increase your bond with an animal, all of those positive mental benefits we discussed earlier only increase.
Equestrian Yoga
This one is a little more advanced. Equestrian yoga or horse yoga is exactly what is sounds like: yoga on and/or in the presence of a horse. Some horse yoga sessions closely resemble horse meditation sessions, meaning the participants are doing yoga in the presence of a horse. However, more advanced practitioners will actually strike yoga poses while on horseback, some of which are quite impressive.
Like horse meditation, horse yoga increases our mindfulness, lowers our stress, and allows us to form a bond with the horse. In addition, horse yoga can be a great workout, especially for those who would like to improve their balance or just try something out of the ordinary.
Let’s Recap
There are a large variety of horse experiences available to the average office worker. Obviously, owning a horse is not for most people, especially those of us that are confined to our office spaces for most of the day. However, if you do some research, you’ll quickly find that there are all sorts of ways you can spend some time with a horse.
Remember: although everything on this list can become quite advanced, there are beginner versions of everything here. Don’t be afraid to call a nearby horse sanctuary and see what they have to offer. Everyone who regularly works with horses knows that most people do not have experience with them, and they will be happy to help you out.
So what are you waiting for? Do some research, figure out what horse-related activities can be found in your area, and take the plunge. Horses are truly amazing creatures and won’t regret seeking them out.
Artemis Hill Farm
Artemis Hill Farm is a beautiful getaway in Orange County, New York that offers arresting views, cozy accommodations, and exquisite wildlife. We offer a large variety of experiences, including but not limited to guided meditation, charity and networking events, and writer’s retreats. Our many activities include horse meditation, donkey walks, trips to the local wineries, breweries and parks, and skiing. To learn more about Artemis Hill Farm and our array of services, please visit our homepage.
