Healing with horses

By Wendy Knowlton

This fall has seen many changes for me personally, and so the attending of a Women in Transition group seemed ideal. This group was entitled Healing with Horses Group Therapy for Women, and was for any woman who was feeling at a crossroads in life.

The group met at Mandala Riding and Awareness Centre in Hampton for four days, two hours each day. There, we were guided through exercises of self-exploration by Dr. Elizabeth King, GP Psychotherapist, Olga Comeau, Equine Specialist, and the Horses of Mandala. Make no mistake; the horses were an intricate part of the self-exploration! Olga chose the horses who wanted to participate with us, and listened to the horses, advising Dr. King on the energy the horses were picking up from the women doing the exercises. Instinctively, the horses seemed to know what would help us heal. At times, they offered comfort and nuzzled us. Other times, they walked away, forcing us to examine what was happening inside us to make us unapproachable.

This appeared to be an enjoyed program by all the women present. Each of us seemed to get what we needed from the sessions. It did not matter who had experience with horses and who did not. We shared group time, time with the horses, and we had quiet, self-reflection time. It was an amazing experience.

So, thank you to Dr. Elizabeth King who helped us with our guided journey. Thank you to Olga Comeau, who provided the wise horses, the beautiful surroundings and the quiet reassurances. Thank you to the Women’s Place Resource Centre for funding this program. Thank you to the horses of Mandala, with whom we share a bond. And thank you to the other women who participated in such a rewarding experience with me.

If you would like information on this or any other program offered through the Women’s Place Resource Centre, please contact us at 665-5166.

Wendy Knowlton is program coordinator for the Women's Place Resource Centre located in Bridgetown.