EQuisdom Therapeutic Horsemanship Association

By Karen Tanchak

EQuisdom’s mission is to empower individuals with a broad range of diverse abilities by providing the highest quality “horse & partner” activities and therapies in an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Experiencing a true connection with a horse is a feeling like no other. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have the opportunity to feel the calm energy a horse provides to guide you to a place of peace. Simple tasks such as grooming your horse; walking down a nature trail feeling the rhythm of your horse under you with just the sound of your horse’s feet; breathing the fresh air to help relax you; or even just hanging on the fence while you hear your best friend chewing on the grass or hay with the sweet smells mixing around you.

EQuisdom strives to provide these opportunities to the people who will benefit from the horse’s intuitive teachings. Our program promotes health and wellbeing for all involved. Our participants are invited to share with the horses on a variety of levels based on their objectives and comfort levels:

• Introducing body awareness, learning breathing techniques, identifying personal boundaries.

• Working with the horses to recognize the silent communication between herd members and relating that to the equine-human interaction.

• Providing quiet time to just be with the horses to allow the connection between horse and human.

• To experience the non-verbal communication.

• Grooming the horses and being aware of the quiet body language.

• Partnering with the horse in non-mounted activities and building a mutual respect for the messages. Asking for a response and rewarding the ‘try’ or the ‘little things.’ Becoming aware that the journey is more important than completing the task. Experiencing the things we communicate and master on the ground transfers into the saddle.

• Learning the purpose of the tack and teaching how to tack up safely and respectfully. Always listening to the horse as we go about the process.

Riding sessions incorporate balance, lightness, and progression. Riders may begin being led by a volunteer and possibly assisted with a side walker. The objective is to progress towards independent riding in a safe and empowered manner. Our participants are encouraged to develop at their own pace within their own comfort level. The opportunity to participate in video competitions, work towards attending a horse show or qualifying for the BC Summer Games is available.

Classroom activities are offered to improve balance, hand/eye coordination, and ‘brain games’ to help build cognitive function. “Zones of Regulation” is introduced to help develop self-regulation and confidence in social settings. The horses are brilliant in demonstrating this concept.

The instructors and volunteers are passionate in the services they provide. Education and training for the ‘team’ is ongoing. Volunteers go through an extensive training to ensure they are comfortable and confident in the support they provide to both horses and participants. Opportunities to develop their knowledge and grow their own skills are offered as well as being able to experience their own relationships with the horses so that they experience the same benefits that we offer the participants.

Experiences from two of our team members:

“ Volunteering with EQuisdom is a wonderful, life-changing experience! I believe that we would all agree that working with a super group of supportive people, our beautiful healing horses, fun, loving students, their families and support teams is not only rewarding but therapeutic in some way for each member of our volunteer team!”

“ What do I get being a volunteer? The satisfaction of helping individuals get to know horses which in turn the individuals find out more about themselves. My original hesitancy around horses has turned into a huge love and respect for these beautiful creatures that convey so many messages for one to pick up on. Seeing challenged clients smiling while riding their horse is rewarding, knowing they are enjoying themselves and setting aside what troubles they have.”

EQuisdom Therapeutic Horsemanship Association, located in Enderby BC, is very grateful for the support of the community. We would like to thank the Horsey Ladies Okanagan for funds received this past November.

If you would like to become involved with our program, future volunteers, participants, sponsors and financial supporters are welcome to contact EQuisdom through our Facebook Page or by contacting Karen Tanchak at karalcentre@gmail.com.