EQUIJOURNEYS EAPAL TEAM Equine Assisted Psychotherapy And Learning (E.A.P.A.L.) | ||
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EquiJourneys is a an Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning prevention and treatment therapy program specifically targeted to meet the unique needs of children, adolescents, and their families. Using equine (horse) assisted therapies, in conjunction with other experiential and cognitive therapy approaches, EquiJourneys focuses on the prevention and treatment of behavior, mood, and emotional disorders, recovery from addictions, eating disorders, coping with trauma, abuse, and loss, and teaching constructive life skills. The Cornerstone and rutter of EquiJounreys is Jesus Christ - embracing the grace, the forgiveness, the unconditional love, and the ultimate healing God gives us. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy & Equine Assisted Learning Defined Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is a growing formof Experiential Therapy - using human-horse interactions to provide a variety of cognitive-oriented, therapeutic experiences as a foundation for healing and personal growth. The horse-human relationship provides a unique, emotionally safe platform upon which clients can work through difficult issues and learn life-skills such as improved communication, self-esteem, self-confidence, responsibility, relationship-building, and the opportunity to change thinking patterns from destructive to constructive. Using communication as an example, the person must learn how to communicate with a creature using body language and verbal tone rather than words alone. Horses live in a herd mentality and are super-sensitive to body language and position of humans and other horses at all times. They are also animals of prey. This leads to the "fight or flight" response, an instinct to which we train each horse to respond in a manner that is safe for the people and horses involved The messages sent by body language and tone of voice is the communication to which the horse responds. Much like a reflection in a mirror, the response a horse provides gives the person a clear view at the full message he or she may be sending, possibly totally unaware.. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy provides a setting where the therapist is not dictating to the client, and is instead facilitating a safe environment with client-appropriate exercises during which the client learns something unique fromeach individual attempt, and then choose the approach that is the best fit. Afterwards, the client and therapist can explore and process the experience and ways in which it applies to real life situations and relationships. The Experiential Therapy model allows the client to teach himself or herself, and provides the full spectrum of learning modalities - sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. In working through this process, the solution comes from inside the client rather than through dialogue alone in an office setting. | EquiJourneys is an equine assisted psychotherapy and learning program ("EAPAL") targeted to treat children, adolescents, and their families. The EAPAL program uses equine assisted psychotherapy, in conjunction with other experiential and cognitive therapies, for the prevention and specific treatment of behavior, mood, and emotional disorders including the following: recovery from addictions, eating disorders, coping with trauma, abuse, and loss, and teaching constructive life skills. This cognitive approach targets the root of thought: "perception." Perception is what we believe we see. At the most basic level, it affects what we believe about ourselves and the world around us - and often the beliefs that we allow to limit us. Using EAPAL, clients are presented with the tools to help them choose to look at the world different perspectives as horses challenge us to communicate with body language and tone of voice and only limited vocabulary. Clients work through issues at their own pace and in the order they choose. Time allows the applications from these experiences to be rooted into our nature and character. EquiJourneys strives to provide a place for children and teenagers to experience the power of this interactive learning, in both prevention and treatment situations. The focus is on the individual and that individual's unique needs. The fundamental right of self-determination is of utmost importance - the individual decides what issues he/she feels safe to explore, as well as when and how to proceed. This is essential for people of all ages - whether in a prevention mode of skill-building or in a treatment mode of change. Using horse assisted therapy and learning experiences, in addition to counseling and other experience-based modalities, EquiJourneys focuses on the passion for and embracement of *living* an abundant life - focusing on the path taken to each successful step, learning, and growing with each experience. We want kids to dare to dream and hope and believe in themselves. We strive to maintain a non-judgmental, loving, safe and honest atmosphere - respectful of each person's beliefs and choices - filled with life and focused on the "yes" in living rather than limitations. The Cornerstone on which EquiJourneys is built is the love, grace, and complete forgiveness found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. The whole person includes spiritual needs that must be addressed for real healing to occur. We believe life holds wonders and experiences beyond what we can ever imagine. Why Horses? Horses are honest and have a basic set of priorities. They are quick to forgive and have no hidden agendas, no biases and no need to place blame. There is an aura of awe when we see them. It is humbling that these magnificent creatures want to be with us, seek to please us, and need us. As we interact with such a creature, this honest response acts as a mirror for us to see how our attitude, body language and tone of voice communicates far more than words alone. Each attempt to communicate a request is separate in the mind of the horse, and this allows us to try repeatedly until we learn to communicate in such a way that we succeed in a positive relationship. Inevitably, we take these lessons and apply them in our other relationships. This therapuetic atmosphere provides us with experiences that teach us lessons we can apply throughout our lives. | ||||||||
The Equine Specialist in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy As explained on THE PROGRAMS page, an organization called Equine Assisted Growth And Learning Association (EAGALA) has been a pioneer in certification workshops and in setting professional standards for Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning programs with a setting up an approach involving a team approach combining a clinical mental health professional and an equine professional. At EquiJourneys, we use a variety of models, choosing each approach according to the needs of the client(s). Martha White of Classic Bloodstock has partnered with EquiJourneys - offering her time, her horses, and even her home in the effort to bring this program to more clients in need. Pictured on this page are many of her horses - all top quality Egyptian Arabians who have been carefully raised and/or trained with safety as priority. The benefits of working as a teamare obvious - with safety, benefits of observation by two professionals, and the accountability of two professionals working together for the well-being of both the client(s) and horse(s). Even though Shannon McCullough - who qualifies as both a clinical mental health professional and an equine professional - the team approach is often most beneficial. Martha fills the role of the equine specialist in this capacity as the neeed arises. Her extensive experience and expertise in handling and caring for horses are invaluable. As we look toward the future of EquiJourneys, the role filled by Martha, and those roles filled by other people involved in the program, are the essential elements for EquiJourneys to truly reach out to troubled youth. (See THE PEOPLE page for a list of people who are giving to EquiJourneys daily). | |||||||||
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Classic Bloodstock's Horses Martha's horses are most fortunate to be found by her. Her horses have some of the most coveted bloodlines of Egyptian Arabian horses, yet many of her horses were actual rescues from auctions and people who could not cope with the requirements of the aftermath of a traumatic injury. She currently stand 2 Straight Egyptian stallions at stud, both which have extreme atheletic ability in a classic Arabian package. The stallions are Ibn Shai and Ali Bayfire, and the five colts pictured above are some of their 2004 sons. Ibn Shai [(Simeon Shai x Bint Romanaa) 1995 Bay, 14.3 hands, Straight Egyptian, Blue List, Al Khamsa, Asil, strain: Kuhaylan-Ajuz Rodan]was malnourished in his youth and this stunted his growth. However, Shai rose above the odds and is typey, correct and very smooth. He has tons of tail carriage and charisma. He's a delightful horse to ride who works happily in a snaffle bit and an open bridle. Western Pleasure, Hunter Pleasure, a nd trail-riding - he has done them all and done them well. The best part of Shai, though, is that he "stamps" his babies with his classic beauty and motion. Ibn Shai is a breeder's dream! His sire, *Simeon Shai, was the 1991 World Champion at Salon du Cheval in Paris, U.S. and Canadian National Champion Stallion, and he won Scottsdale all in one year. Ibn Shai's dam, Bint Romanaa, was a U.S. National Top Ten Halter Mare, Top Ten Side Saddle and Top Ten Native Costume. Most of her sons are exported. Shai's stud fee is $2500 for 2004. Ali Bayfire [(Ali Zaar x MG Rimanah by Moniet el Sharaf)1995 bay, 15.2 hands, Straight Egyptian, Blue List, Al Khamsa. Strain: Kuhaylan] Bayfire's sire, Ali Zaar, has over 20 halter championships and is undefeated in Most Classic. Ali Zaar was just exported to Germany in 2004. Bayfire is his only son standing at public stud. His dam, MG Rimanah, is a big bodied bay, super athletic Sharaf daughter. Bayfire has been shown once as a 2 year old with a 2nd place. In 1999, as a 4 year old, he won "Most Classic" and was 2nd in his halter class. Bayfire has just started in training for dressage. He seems to be a real natural for it. He is very happy in a loose ring snaffle. He's very light. Bayfire's 2 yr old gelding, Ali Baystar, won the 2002 Gulf Coast Futurity at the Houston Christmas Show. His daughter, Mia Bint Bayfire just won the 2003 Gulf Coast Futurity and may even be heading to US Nationals in 2oo5 for the 3year old Futurity Mares in 2005! His 2004 stud fee is $1500/$1000. For further information on either of these stallions, Classic Bloodstock mares, their children and sales horses, please take a look at the Classic Bloodstock website and/or contact Martha at (281) 356-6548. | |||||||||
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"My Girls" One day I went to the stables to visit my horse and I met a woman (Maria) who lived nearby. We sat, we talked, and embarked on what is most certainly going to be a life-long friendship that extends to her entire family. They invited me into their lives, and in the past 18months I find that I consider them a vital part of my life and that of my horses', most specifically the 3 eldest daughters - Veronica, Marina, & Georgia. It began as riding lessons for three daughters. Now they are the heart of EquiJourneys. Nothing can touch the look in the eyes of these girls as they stare at a horse. Without asking what is in it for them, Veronica and Marina voluntarily give their time to share the horses they love with people who need love. Georgia has the burden of being a bit too young to be allowed the same freedomas her two older sisters, but she is just as talented with just as a huge a heart as anyone could imagine. My world is far richer for having met this woman and her family. Veronica has been my sidekick from day one. She adopted Rafiq - and he adopted her - almost immedaitely. She made the choice to trust me and to trust Rafiq, even though she had never been around horses before. All my students begin riding bareback with hands on their heads. She was a natural and has never needed to be told anything twice. She knows before apparent symptoms kick in if a horse is sick. She instinctually trains without any awareness that she is actually teaching. One example of this occurred when Rafiq got some debris in his eye and scratched his cornea. He had to have ointment placed in his eye five times a day. Veronica was covering two of those times for me. While I would push open the corner of his eye and squeeze ointment in, Veronica had chosen another way. A few days into the treatment I witnessed something I never would have expected. Rafiq lowered his head on cue and allowed Veronica to spread the ointment across his eye without shutting it. He did not resist in any way and she used no force. I asked how she got him to do this, and her answer was simply that she saw no point in making him open his eye, so she had taken the time to take him out a paddock and had him back up a few steps and lower his head each time he squeezed his eye shut when he saw the medicine. Within minutes he realized it would be less work to let Veronica put the medicine on his eye painlessly without resistance. She said, "Well, its not a big deal or anything. It just made sense." Marina may be a couple years younger than Veronica, but she is no less talented. Like her sister, she also seemed to know how to ride from that very moment she first sat on a horse. Rafiq adored her, but she soon had a different project: a Welsh Mountain Pony named "Buster," well-trained in a variety of disciplines - and well-practiced in testing the limits of his riders. Armed only with determination, Marina rode Buster through all habits he had picked up and had him working hunter like a champ. Marina rode Rafiq at times, but she truly learned to ride on a small bodied Welsh Pony with lightning-quick moves and a full English stride. Marina rides in balance that matches any horse I put her on, never pulling on the mouth or clinging with her legs When I brought Krystallynne to Houston from Northern Wisconsin, that two year old filly with no experience around children stepped off of the trailer and just laid her head in Marina's arms. Krystallynne and Marina definitely have a bright future together. When Krystallynne returns from US Nationals, Marina a nd Veronica will be able to learn how to train a horse from the very beginning steps to the most advanced. Krys has a beautiful floating trot that will carry Marina and me, and hopefully a full future of children, for many miles of riding in shows and trails. Georgia may be the youngest of the three, but she is also a fiesty brave little horsewoman in the works. Georgia rides without fear. She voluntarily goes without reins, stirrups, or saddle. She is an acrobat on Rafiq, able to change positons and take on any challenge she is given. This girl has the will power and confidence that she can do whatever task she faces and she never fails to do so in harmony with the horse. She is constantly talking to Rafiq when she rides... praising him for slowing down or speeding up or turning when asked. Georgia's smile seems to make every person and every horse smile with her. It doesn't matter what kind of day I have had, her smile erases all of life's sorrows. Rafiq will stand watch over her and never allow any human or horse to harm her. In many of EquiJourneys therapy sessions, Veronica and Marina are key elements in teaching and encouraging, as well as backing me up in anything needed to keep things running safely and smoothly. When any of these girls are with Rafiq, or Krystallynne, or the other horses with which we work, the smile in the eyes of the girls is mirrored in the eyes of the horses. | |||||||||
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