WHY EAAT?

"There are so many therapeutic experiences happening while one is working with horses. My favorite, and why I believe in Equine Therapies so much, is that you must be present when you are around horses, they command us to live in the moment.

They do not care about our past or what we did yesterday,

they do not care about our future or what we want to be,

they do not care about our looks, what we drive, how we dress, or how much money we have in the bank, they do not judge.

Horses care only about where we are right in the moment with them. Helping us to connect not only with them, but teaching us also how to connect with ourselves and others. It's a unique experience unlike any other."

– Shanna Dozier, Equestrian Bridges Founder & Executive Director

PATH Intl. Certified Instructor

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What is EAAT and what are the benefits?

EAAT is

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Who benefits from our services at Equestrian Bridges?

We want to help families and the community to respond and meet the needs of children and youth with behavior challenges including but not limited to the spectrum of disabilities known as Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Children identified as emotionally disturbed, at risk for academic failure, or come from abused or neglected situations can benefit from equine facilitated education.

No previous horse experience is necessary. We take the strengths of the individual and pursue the areas of need through the unique relationship a horse has to offer. Through this relationship, we are able to enhance:

Improved on-task behavior
Improved attention skills allows for improved skill and tasks sequencing
Increased social interaction
Development of joint attention behaviors
Increased physical activity and sensory input promoting increased concentration
Overall improvement of learning and confidence
Confidence and Empowerment!

Why a horse?

Many theories exist about the benefits of a horse; however, research proves that simply petting a horse causes our brain waves to calm. It is a sensory experience unlike any other.

Improving gross and fine motor skills
Experiencing the 3-dimensional movement of the horse which is similar to the normal human walking gait
Stimulating the cardiovascular and nervous system
Building self-esteem and confidence
Developing a meaningful relationship with the volunteers and staff
Building a strong bond with the horse
Channeling aggressive or hyperactive behavior into constructive activity
Increasing ability to follow directions
Improving memory utilization
Developing sequencing abilities
Improved perception
Teaches empathy and promotes overall emotional health and so much more

Natural horse behavior and the way horses interact with their surroundings opens up an infinite amount of parallels to the daily life or struggles that people may go through. The horse gives an unbiased opinion that with facilitation, the client can directly relate to. It is often easier for a person struggling with social skill development to learn those skills through the interactions with the horse than it may be with other humans.Natural horse behavior and the way horses interact with their surroundings opens up an infinite amount of parallels to the daily life or struggles that people may go through. The horse gives an unbiased opinion that with facilitation, the client can directly relate to. It is often easier for a person struggling with social skill development to learn those skills through the interactions with the horse than it may be with other humans.

Why natural horsemanship?

Horses are social animals—they live by rules of social order with defined rules and roles within the herd. In order to survive, it needs a leader.
Natural horsemanship is a philosophy of training people that focuses on building a positive experience with the horse through partnership rather than fear and intimidation. It uses the principles of natural herd communication and equine behavior to position the person as a leader.
Utilizing these natural herd dynamics, the horse can help a person become aware of how his or her behavior is effecting the environment. Through the process of reflection and replay, combined with a classroom experience that promotes social skills and communication the individual learns to engage with others. The horse honestly reflects the individuals’ behavior, which helps the person learn to modulate his or her behavior.