At first, I wanted to say that your horse is your therapist. Let's face it - there are equine assisted therapy programs sprouting up rapidly these days, and for good reason. Interacting with horses really do teach people many things about themselves.
But then I realized horses do even more than that.
If you're lucky enough to have horses in your life on a regular basis, you will know that horses create opportunities that develop a person in every way possible. It's not just about the mental/emotional aspects, although those are certainly key areas that develop thanks to the horses. It's about everything.
So I considered the possibility that horses are more like life coaches. Life coaches help a person with every aspect of their lives - professional, physical, and personal goals. The list can be endless.
Yes, horses will help you understand and improve more aspects about yourself than you could ever imagine.
If you're lucky enough to have a horse in your life, you will likely have examples of many of the following ways a horse can help you on your path toward self-improvement and growth:
- Gives a great hug (makes a great companion)
- Helps you focus on something NOW (takes your mind off everything else for a couple of hours)
- Gets you walking - in mud, dirt, gravel, sand (who gets to walk in sand on a regular basis?)
- Calms you down (as you pet/brush him)
- Kissable any time (!!)
- Improves core stability and balance
- Gives opportunity for weight lifting (carrying buckets and saddles)
- Helps you find like-minded friends
- Improves fine motor skills (buckles and more)
- Builds self-awareness (physical and emotional)
- Encourages life-long learning (and humility)
- Develops leadership skills
- Is the reason for life-changing opportunities (horse events, shows, rides, performances)
- Creates confidence (doing things you never thought you could)
- Encourages responsibility (take care of your horse first)
- Listens (for as long as you need to talk)
- Pushes you past your fears (keep working on personal bests)
- Teaches you to take feedback/advice from others
- Develops your perseverance and the satisfaction of a job well done
- Shares the natural world with you (on the trails, in the pasture)
- Invites quietness and reflection
- Teaches body language
- Is the reason behind setting lifelong dreams and goals - and helps you fulfill them
How has your horse enriched your life and taught you something about yourself? Comment below.
Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!
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