In my experience, there is something absolutely unique about the therapeutic value of spending time with horses. It’s not just that it’s therapy; it’s a kind of therapy that you’re not going to find anywhere else. I think that if you ask anyone what the hardest part of the healing process is, they’ll tell you that it’s the very beginning. It can be hard to get started. The thing about working with horses is that they give you a reason to take that first step.
Even if you’re just brushing them, you’re taking an active role in their care and welfare, and the mental reward that comes with knowing you’ve made a positive impact on a living, breathing being is enormous. It makes you think, “I’ve done something good. This horse would probably appreciate it if I kept doing this.” And thus, you have yourself the motivation to become your best, most capable self, so that you can come back and do it again – spending some time with one of the world’s best listeners while you do.
Not a lot of people in my life know this, but when I started college, I only saw it as a pathway to a degree, and nothing else. On top of that, I was moving to a new place about two months after the death of a friend, and there’s nothing more jarring to an 18-year-old than losing someone your age. Coming to the barn, inspired by a childhood interest in horses, gave me the opportunity to discover not only a true passion of mine but a reason to be a healthier person every single day.
I will always be grateful that I had this chance at Miami. My only hope from here on out is that other people will find the same strength and love that I found.
For more information on Miami’s Horse Therapy Program visit MiamiOH.edu/HorseTherapy or contact us at 513-529-4634.