'You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself.' 
 
Alan Alda
 
 
 
 
 
 Pioneering acceptance of the gift of life on all levels.
 
 
 

 
Home      Equine Assisted Therapy
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Equine Assisted Therapy is a form of self-discovery guided by an equine specialist, a clinician, and a horse.

Horses for ‘Soldiers Heart’ Two-Day Retreat

Soldiers Heart Video

“Soldiers Heart” and “Shell Shock” are past names for PTSD. The term “Soldiers Heart” was first identified by a Cardiologist, Jacob Mendez Da Costa, during the Civil War. Also known as Da Costa’s Syndrome, “Soldiers Heart” is one of history’s first explanations for a physiological and psychological change experienced by soldiers. [Source, Dr Mathew Friedman. Director VA Centre for post traumatic Stress Disorder] 
 
Participant Feedback: Soldiers Heart Retreat
October 22 & 23 2011

The benefit I got was the mindfulness (focus) one gets when in a setting like this and the acceptance of all the animals, from chickens to horses.

Owen Parkhouse, CD, MA OSISS Peer Support Coordinator – Prince Edward Island

It was a wonderful experience. I developed tools for stress relief and coping mechanisms.

Charlene

I enjoyed the power of working with the animals and the sense of calm you get as a result.

Dave

 

Benefits

As with physical injury the diversity of individual and situational circumstance requires a variety of therapeutic options. Animal Assisted Therapy has been effective among a diverse civilian demographic and current studies anticipate similar rates of success among military and exmilitary personnel.
 
Of particular note; Veterans report significant physical, social, cognitive and emotional benefits linked to Equine Assisted Therapy.

 

Canadian Statistics

Canadian Statistics Statistics from Lt Col Jim Kile (regional surgeon for 4 Health Services Group Toronto) states, "About 6% of Canadian soldiers returning from Afghanistan is diagnosed with PTSD."