Horses are extremely effective teachers and can teach anyone no matter what their age, background, culture, abilities or limitations. Horses teach us effective communication and the importance of it. They teach us problem-solving skills, healthy boundaries, letting go of control, leadership, relationship building, trust, empathy, compromise, negotiation, confidence and responsibility, all while providing a relaxed, safe environment that can lower stress levels.
Horses are so effective at teaching these lessons because they are a mirror to ourselves and reflect our behaviour and emotion back to us. Horses live in the moment and have no hidden agendas; they want safety, comfort and a relationship with those around them. As prey animals, horses have developed acute survival skills and will only cooperate with us if we can earn their trust and respect in every moment we work with them. If at any moment a person working with a horse behaves in a way to lose that trust and respect, the horse will quickly ‘check out’. Life lessons are more effectively taught by a horse because of this immediate, honest, safe and non-judgmental response to our behaviour.
Urban Stable arranges programs and activities to facilitate the lessons the horses have to teach our students to help them deal with life’s challenges.
“Horses carry the wisdom of healing in their hearts and offer it to any humans who possess the humility to listen.” – Unknown
“I think the program is awesome. I learned that I am a good leader. I can do anything I put myself to if I try. My horse taught me to be confident.”
“It is a very relaxing and enjoyable program which has a very calm and soothing atmosphere. I learned that I am very patient and calm individual who enjoys to approach objectives and challenges in a slow and patient demeanour. My horse taught me to be patient and encouraging to others.”