Why Mustangs?

Equine-assisted learning programs are a powerful journey of learning and understanding for those who participate. Horses in this program are effective teaching tools; immediately responding to what participants do, trained facilitators look for "teachable moments" that horses identify. Quite simply, the horse does the teaching; facilitators are there to offer explanations and provide guidance as they work through the solution.

The single most asked question is, why are horses used? To understand how this process works, we must first understand how horses learn and understand the laws of survival. In a horse’s world, the rules are clear, easy to understand, and dealt with swiftly when challenged.

Nature provides them with instincts and senses that are very astute. For their mere survival, a wild horse must be aware of its surroundings and quick to react. They watch for the slightest movement, especially threatening body posture. Horses know how to discern the difference between a calm, non-threatening approach, and anxious, nervous energy, immediately identifying individuals struggling internally. By understanding the horse's true nature, we can alter our techniques to become efficient facilitators.

Horses look for strong leadership and are willing to follow, but only after they find respect and trust. They will question and challenge our authority to lead if we provide contradictory behavior. Horses respect the stringent outline of the hierarchy. In a horse’s world, teamwork is respected and expected. Horses respond favorably to positive stimuli and respect consequences since it is fair. Horses are tough and steadfast dance partners; they don’t judge but don’t forget. They won’t let you cheat, and their feedback is honest. Dr. Phil may have paraphrased, "How’s that working for you?" but horses have been asking since the beginning of time.

The horse is "the teller of truth" who desires to "do the right thing." It is believed that a horse's spirit will lead individuals in the "right direction" and will assist them in understanding their place in the circle of life.

If we, as facilitators, are willing to listen, they can assist us by guiding groups to become better individuals. By including horses in specially designed educational experiences, equine-assisted specialists have greatly multiplied the participant’s success rate in self-discovery. Horses can’t overthink a participant’s motive, and horses can’t manipulate behavior. However, horses can give facilitators a window into the participant’s personality through their intuitive nature and innate sensitivity. As facilitators listen to a horse’s non-verbal communication, together, they have the ability to walk participants through finding life-altering change.

By understanding why and how horses are aware of our every movement, you will come to understand how effective equine-assisted learning programs are in finding individuals.