Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine assisted Learning. Equine-assisted psychotherapy is a form of therapy that incorporates horses. It is an experiential treatment in which participants partner with horses in mental health treatment. A licensed mental health therapist and an equine specialist collaborate to supervise and lead these sessions. Conditions it’s used for Equine-based psychotherapy can be used for a variety of mental health conditions in both children and adults, including but not limited to: ADHD autism depression eating disorders generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) PTSD social anxiety disorder substance misuse. In Equine Assisted Learning The incorporation of animals in mental health treatment has a long history. Animal-assisted psychotherapy can be an evidence-based complementary treatment to traditional therapy or learning experiences. Animals can aid in healing emotional and behavioral conditions. They can provide a source of comfort, consistency, and mutual nurturance, giving support to both the mind and the body. Horses are one of those comforting social animals that can help people with their well-being. Nurturing interactions with horses allows humans to practice: problem-solving skills social skills emotional regulation empathy Animals like horses also sense your emotions and mirror them back, offering people a way to talk about their own emotions without feeling as overwhelmed or judged.
Madison Fields, a Madison House Autism Foundation project, is a fully functional farm that offers an inclusive environment where adults and children - with special needs, or not - can play, learn, and work together. Madison Fields features a state-of-the art riding stable, bank barn, corn crib, chicken coop, tenant housing, a guest house, an historic farmhouse, and two fully-enclosed out buildings. Their mission is to foster a nurturing and healing partnership between horses and rider to enhance the well-being of individuals with special needs and provide a farm experience as well. Dibs is a Vintage Home Decor Shop in Buckeystown which is open once a month and the proceeds go towards Madison Fields.