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“The Thunder Beings are one of the most beautiful and powerful symbols of the Ojibway, symbolized in the four-legged form as a Horse. If the Horse, Thunder Being, visits you, feel blessed as they see inside you. They measure your intent with your heart and heal you if you are deserving. Appearing in dreams to check on your soul, they give messages of medicine to those in need. They are the voice of the Thunder Beings with their gallop and energy.”

–Baabaaji, Ojibwa name for Brian Outinen of the Hummingbird clan, who is of Anishinabek heritage, 2019

contact@riveredgewellnesswithhorses.ca
315 Superior St, Michipicoten River Village Wawa, ON P0S 1K0

Why Horses?

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Horses - Mindfulness - Neurobiology

Horses by nature are curious, seeking new information and experiences. At the same time they learn and remember in a way that allows them to tune into similar situations and sensations. Horses live in families and understand this need to connect with another. Because of this they have developed a wonderful capacity for sensing into other mammals such as humans. Whether we name it intuition, empathy or neuroception, the horse’s large heart and gut provide two more ways to draw information from their environment. When we are in the presence of a horse we are two nervous systems communicating. This will happen consciously (explicit) or unconsciously (implicit). Because we believe the horse experiences time differently than humans, they are more present moment focused. Through a mindfulness approach humans can connect purposefully with a horse and feel the intensity of their ability to ground themselves and in turn impact our emotional arousal. The physiological impact of depression and anxiety can be best described through the diagram Window of Tolerance shown on the right. Horses are extremely sensitive to this process. Because the mind of a human will often interfere with holding a present moment focus long, the horse will compensate for us and show our thinking brain other ways of knowing. The complexity of the experience of Equine Facilitated Wellness presents in multiple ways and needs to be experienced to be understood.

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What People Are Saying About Equine Facilitated Wellness with River Edge

HORSES AS HELPERS

Taking a first step towards feeling better can at times seem very difficult. Horses can be very instrumental in helping you to relax and accept new ways of knowing yourself. Together with me as your mental health professional, we can work towards a goal that you decide upon in a way that allows you to notice your own ability to heal. The first step is often the most difficult when it is something we have never tried before. It is natural to wonder if you will like the experience. It is my hope that you will allow that part of you that is ready to move on in your life (whether as an explorer or a cautious passenger) a chance to share time with these 4 legged helpers. The horses that participate in our journey together are willing volunteers and often express this willingness in ways that may surprise you, as they support you. We look forward to working with you and wish you the best on your journey!

Laurie, Dyna and Charlie