Changing Leads for Kids © All rights reserved 2010 Privacy Policy
EAC uses the horses as a psychological therapy tool to increase awareness of thoughts, words and actions. Very little riding of the horse is done. Instead, students interact with the horse through structural activities that use the horse to invoke a response and act as a mirror for behavior. Each activity is designed to give students a meaningful learning experience and a chance to grow emotionally.
Horses are prey animals and
are very sensitive to possible dangers. As a result, they
are acutely aware of their surroundings including our emotions and behaviors.
Because of their ability to observe and respond to
non-verbal communication, horses are an effective tool when confronting problem behaviors and attitudes.
Horses act as mirrors of our behavior when they respond to our body language. In order for us to change the horses’ behavior we have to change our behavior. Horse are very powerful teachers.
Leads are important in maintaining balance in the horse. When a horse canters or gallops it either uses the left or right let as the leading leg... One leg leads and the other follows behind. The correct lead depends on which direction the horse is traveling. Horses pick up the correct lead naturally, but with a riders weight and outside distractions it may cause the horse to pick up the wrong lead and become unstable.
People also become off balance with the stress of everyday life and the weight those stresses create.
Lead Changes helps both horses and humans alike to re-center and move on in perfect balance. Having balance provides the skills to help overcome obstacles, stresses and have a better sense of self and others.
CHANGING LEADS for KIDS is a 12 week Equine Assisted Counseling (EAC) program designed to facilitate the mental health and well-being of kids(students). By teaming the youth with mental health professionals, equine specialists and therapy horses, students are provided the opportunity for real positive behavioral changes. Changing old behavior patterns and setting personal goals will give students the opportunity to improve their academic performance in school.
We Are Changing Leads for Kids...
