In January, 2024, Lincoln County awarded Gateway to Prevention and Recovery funds for an Equine-Assisted Intervention (EAI) pilot project to demonstrate the power of adding Equine-assisted activities to support their current Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) model for individuals in recovery from substances and/or mental health conditions at the Chandler, OK office. Essentially, this innovative project utilized horses to help humans increase their motivation and engagement in treatment, develop a deeper connection with themselves, grow their healthy support networks, and progress in their recovery. In this article, you will learn more about who was involved, the important role the horses played, and personal reflections from Judy Smith and the participants.
The 6 week pilot project took place in the Spring of 2024 at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. The Chandler Gateway treatment team consisted of Ali Stewart, LPC, BHWC and Judy Smith, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, Case Manager II, BHWC. In addition, equine support for this project came from Right Path Riding Academy which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship Intl. (PATH, Intl) Premier accredited organization located in Drumright, OK. They provided an Equine Specialist (in training), Horse Handlers, equines and transportation for the herd to the fairgrounds.
Why horses?
Horses are Prey Animals: Unlike humans, the horse is a prey animal and has evolved to be profoundly aware of their environment. With their heightened senses, horses are very sensitive to humans and may notice the smallest details of the human body, verbal language, as well as sense a human’s emotional state.
Horses are Social Creatures: As a herd animal, the horse is very social and relies on close relationships with one another for their survival. Given this social nature, horses have been found to be very capable of developing long-term relationships with humans.
Horses are Emotionally Intelligent: Horses have excellent memories and extensive learning abilities. Current research is finding that it is likely that horses and humans may share an emotional language with some commonalities and may be able to accurately read each other’s emotional states.
Reflections from Judy Smith
“My passion for Equine Therapy comes from being a very shy child with overbearing brothers, and my grandmother insisted that my parents get me a horse to teach me assertiveness and confidence. I received my first horse on my 5th birthday and rode/competed until going off to Jr. College. Later in life, I went back to school (after our kids were grown) to prepare for a career in Equine-Assisted Services. I feel horses are honest, genuine and relational sentient beings that can help us become a better version of ourselves when we are ready to listen!
During the 6 week pilot project, I enjoyed how quickly we all became a ‘herd’ together --- from the horses, clients and therapy team. The arena became a safe space to let your guard down and get real.
As long as I have been doing this, I am always amazed how horses ‘show up’ to offer us profound opportunities to grow and learn. This therapy herd was no different! There were several moments when clients were very raw and honest with their feelings and a horse would come close to ‘be with them’ in those feelings. Each client had their favorite horse to work with and it was not uncommon for ‘their horse’ to seek them out to come and greet them when they arrived the next week.”
Reflections from the Participants
“It was very meaningful to me not knowing what was coming next and it being an adventure of unexpected guidance through recovery using horses. It was very unique in changing my thoughts to a more positive outlook. I learned that my thoughts were sometimes deceiving, and there were ways of thinking more clearly. I was being foolish and recognizing that about myself was very helpful. If I could make one suggestion for the future, it would be to make it even more of an adventure!”
“It was meaningful to me to work together with staff and other patients to overcome obstacles using our words and real live animals. This experience reminds me that some mountains are in our mind, but together we can move these mountains and shine light in dark places. I learned that I really enjoy working with animals and most importantly, to seek wise counsel from other human beings who know more than me. There has been much life spoken here over the past 6 weeks. I thank the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father for all the hard work and therapy here. If I could make one suggestion for the future, it would be my desire to ride the horses! ”
“The horses taught me that I am a lot stronger than I thought I was. They taught me things about myself that have given me new confidence. I now know that with the right intentions and strength, I will succeed in my recovery. I have learned that I am a lot more self aware than I thought, and I just need to trust myself. If I could make one suggestion for the future, it would be to make it longer so that we could do more activities!”
“I found meaning in knowing that horses can express the same kind of emotions as humans and that sometimes you have to let go of people and things from childhood, rather than taking them into your future. This experience has helped me find out that I need to start respecting myself more and not let people from my past get me down. I am starting to trust, love, and accept myself. I am good enough to be loved and respected. Finally, I have learned that sometimes I can feel confident in what I do and other times I just feel like shutting down and wanting to be by myself. If I could make one suggestion for the future, it would be to make it longer because it was such a great experience!”
Next Steps
Judy shares that their next round of funding will help them develop services for youth, Native Americans, and additional Equine-assisted Intervention services for Lincoln County. If you or someone you know would like support on their recovery and mental health journey, do not hesitate to reach out to Gateway at 273-1170 x0 or send us a message through our facebook page: Gateway to Prevention and Recovery, Inc.
Judy Smith is a Behavioral Health Wellness Coach and Case Manager II for Gateway to Prevention and Recovery. She holds a MS in Leisure Services Management with an emphasis in Equine Recreation/Therapeutic Programing from Oklahoma State University and a BS in Organizational Leadership with a minor in Equine Studies from Southern Nazarene University. Judy is a PATH, Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning.
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