Working with horses can provide a powerful new paradigm for all involved with our organization.

Horses are our mirror. They are naturally bonding animals that want to quickly and effortlessly assimilate you into their herd, or join yours, as there is safety in numbers for these prey animals. Acutely aware and highly sensitive, a horse can feel a fly on its back, and pick up on the subtle signals given off by another human and animal. This makes horses highly instinctive and intuitive animals to humans’ emotional states. The horses natural bonding tendency and sought after safety and comfort, can help unravel a person’s emotional and physical tensions and anxieties faster than in many clinical settings. This unique relationship between human and horse can also increase confidence, patience and self-esteem.

Riding a horse provides a unique neuromuscular stimulation; the horses gait is the closest replicating movement to the human gait and can be more effective than traditional, clinic-based forms of therapy. The horses adjustable gait promotes riders to constantly adjust the speed to achieve the desired pelvic motion, while promoting strength, balance, coordination, flexibility and confidence.

Swiftsure Ranch Therapeutic Equestrian Center follows the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International standards for equine-assisted activities and therapies, and encourages the physical, mental and emotional well-being of children and adults with disabilities. Working with horses can provide a powerful new paradigm for all involved with our organization.