Grief is a powerful, complex emotion that affects every aspect of our lives. Whether we are mourning the loss of a loved one or dealing with any other form of deep sorrow, the journey through grief can feel isolating and overwhelming. Many people find solace and healing in unexpected places. Perhaps surprisingly, one of those is through interaction with horses.

Grief has always been a communal, shared and sacred process. However, in modern times, our grief often becomes private and isolating, forcing our sorrow underground. By offering grief groups and workshops with horses, we restore the conversation we need to have concerning the sacred place of grief in our lives.

WHY HORSES?

Roaming the Earth for more than 50 million years, horses are inherently social animals that thrive within the structure of a herd. As herd animals, horses instinctively seek connection and belonging within the group dynamic. This social nature has allowed them to adapt and survive across diverse environments for millions of years. Because of their heightened sensory intelligence, they possess a rare ability to understand and reflect human emotions. This unique trait makes them invaluable partners in healing, offering solace and companionship that soothe our spirits.

One of the key ways horses help us navigate grief is by offering a nonjudgmental presence. In the company of a horse, there is no need to hide our emotions or put on a brave face. Horses do not judge, criticize or offer unsolicited advice. They simply exist with us in the moment, accepting us as we are.

EQUINE-ASSISTED LEARNING AND COACHING: A PATH TO HEALING

Equine-Assisted Learning uses interactions with horses to promote emotional healing. In the context of grief and loss, equine-assisted therapy can provide a safe space for individuals to explore their feelings, process their emotions and begin the healing process.

During EAL sessions, individuals engage in various activities with horses, such as observing, brushing and leading the horses through obstacles. These activities can be deeply symbolic and meaningful, depending on the goal and what is communicated by the horse. Brushing a horse can represent the act of caring for oneself or others, while leading a horse through an obstacle course can symbolize navigating the challenges of grief.

The physical presence of the horse, combined with the tactile experience of touching, grooming and interacting with the animal, can help ground individuals in the present moment. This grounding effect can be particularly beneficial for those who feel overwhelmed by the intensity of their grief. In our monthly grief groups, many come away with a profound sense of peace through their session with their horse and speak often of how grounded they feel.

BUILDING TRUST AND CONNECTION

Horses require trust and mutual respect in their relationships with humans. For individuals grieving a loss, building a relationship with a horse can mirror the process of rebuilding trust and connection in their own lives. As individuals learn to communicate with and care for a horse, they may begin to rebuild their trust in themselves and others.

The process of bonding with a horse can also help individuals rediscover a sense of purpose and meaning. Grief often leaves us feeling lost and disconnected from the world around us. However, working with a horse can provide a renewed sense of responsibility and connection.

THE POWER OF NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

Horses communicate primarily through body language, and they respond to the nonverbal cues of the humans around them. For individuals struggling with grief, this form of communication can be especially meaningful, especially when grief can be difficult to articulate. Horses understand the language of the heart—the subtle shifts in posture, the changes in breathing, the unspoken emotions that words often fail to capture.

Equine-Assisted Learning can be a valuable tool for individuals and families facing the challenges of loss and grief. By experiencing the unique connection and communication that can develop between humans and horses, EAL can create a nurturing environment that fosters emotional expression, processing and healing during the most difficult of times.

With Love,