Therapy~n~Motion Blog

I wrote this in 2016 as a newsletter article for Animals as natural Therapy. New blog entires coming soon!

On a damp afternoon in November, a group of teens arrived at Animals as Natural Therapy. I watched as they entered the shavings barn, most appeared relaxed and chatted with their classmates. There was one individual who stood out in a stark reality. Dressed in black, head covered with her hoodie, dark glasses covering her eyes. She didn't take a seat, but attempted to disappear into the walls of the building. She had no voice to share, checking in with hand gestures, that was enough for us.

Our intent is to meet every person just where they are as they show up to the farm, the horses help enormously with touching and accepting all who come to be seen and held in the light. This individual worked with Sienna last year and as I went to get her from her pen she eagerly met me at the gate, putting her nose into the halter as if to say hurry up human I have work to do.

Sienna joined her participant at the hitching rail, the shift began as they acknowledged each other as former partners. This young woman gently began to brush Sienna, slowly stepping back to be aware of the impact she might be having on her horse. From afar it looked like a dance of two friends regaining the trust that had been formerly established. Sienna gently allowed the connection to continue, I watched as this young woman began to relax her body, softly talking to Sienna as she moved around her, grooming the layers of mud and dust, uncovering a gem whose ability to meet individuals when they just need to be seen and heard without judgement or condemnation. She is a big hearted horse that gently wrapped her head and neck around this now smiling girl as if to hug and hold her until they meet again.

Lorna Shepardson

Therapy n'motion

November 2016