BENFITS OF EQUINE INTERACTION AND ENCOUNTERS

There have been some studies following different modalities of 'equine interactions' when humans and horses connect that have shown positive outcomes for humans. The field of equine interactions and the implications they have on humans is still in the pioneering phase and research has been limited in its scope, indicating there is still much more work to be done.  

 Interactions with horses such as leading, grooming, petting, and training require direct and constant engagement, a state that can bring relief to individuals under stress (Evans et al., 2009; Ianonne, 2003; Klontz, Bivens, Leinart, & Klontz, 2007; Meek, 2012; Trotter, Chandler, Goodwin-Bond, & Casey, 2008). Much research has addressed youth and adult programs that focus on horse handling and horsemanship as means for affecting emotional welfare and social capabilities (Evans et al., 2009; Ianonne, 2003; Klontz et al., 2007; Saunders-Ferguson, Barnett, Culen, & TenBroeck, 2008; Trotter et al., 2008; Weigel, Caiola, & Pittman-Foy, 2002); however, research on horse programs aimed specifically at alleviating stress and improving physical well-being of participants is limited. Benefits of working with horses include increased confidence and ability to communicate, improved self-esteem, and more constructive decision making or behavior (Evans et al., 2009; Ianonne, 2003; Meek, 2012; Trotter et al., 2008; Weigel et al., 2002). Even when not riding, interchange with a horse, such as that which occurs through walking and brushing, requires rhythmic movements from the handler, and similar movements have resulted in relaxation and reduced stress (Novotney, 2013). Thus, we undertook a study to identify potential benefits related to daily stress and physical well-being that people may attain through close interactions with horses. We surmised that if benefits exist, working with horses could be influential in promoting psychological and physical health improvements for people undergoing typical stresses of everyday life and thus could serve as the basis for Extension programs aimed at improving quality of life for participants. 

All the programs here at SonnyDaze Ranch have a 'personal growth focus', meaning you get out of it what you put into it. 

The programs are designed to provide a simple direction for participants, help build a skill, show how it works, show how to apply that skill and provide the evidence-based psychoeducation that supports the skill you learned. All with the fun and help of horses!

You get to decide how you will benefit through your daily application of the skill(s) you learn. 

Our programs will provide the lessons that become your tools, its up to you to pick up the tools, put them in your tool belt and use them.

Horses have been in the lives of humans for centuries, working beside us, transporting us, and always teaching us... Some lessons have come easy to humans, some have been learned the hard way, others have been discovered just through a simple sense of wonder that these giant animals agree to co-exist with us. Horses teach us so much because they can feel our emotions, sense our struggles, read our body language, react to us, and find unique ways to communicate with us. They have a sense of socialization in their own herd family, a way of communicating and protecting each other, their own personalities and characteristics, a way to express their own emotions and a sense of being that us humans can learn a lot from. 

It takes time to learn new things and with time also a lot of practice. Learning with and through horses doesn't change that fact. That means with every simple lesson, you don't get out of the work. Horses can teach us:

• Resiliency
• Communication Skills
• Listening Skills
• Empathy/Compassion
• Building Self-Esteem & Self-Confidence
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Leadership
• Problem Solving Skills
• Emotional Regulation
• Patience/ Taking Pause
• Social Skills/Partnering
• Being in the Moment/ Mindfulness
• Physical Health Benefits/Agility
• Companionship/ Building Relationships
• Trust
• Self-Love and Self-Acceptance
• Unconditional Love
• Grief Recovery

And More...