Mental health support through horses

Mental health is a big epidemic in Australia with recent statistics showing that 20% of Australians suffer from a mental illness each year. Another statistic revealed that only 50% of people suffer from a mental illness actively seek treatment. These stats really bring home the importance of taking care of your mental and emotional health and wellbeing. Here at Skerrett Equine it is our mission to make a difference in lives of people who suffer from these debilitating mental illnesses. We believe that prevention is better then the cure, so many mental illnesses can be prevented by simply taking the time to address your mental emotional wellness needs. When we get sick we don’t hesitate to go to the doctor to get a physical health check up. But what happens when our quality of life is being destroyed by anxiety, fear, depression and other debilitating emotions? Do we get an emotional health check? Statistics show that the answer to that question for at least 50% of people is no. 

Equine Facilitated Learning is so powerful because it’s experiential learning, meaning it combines hands on activities with theoretical knowledge and strategies to take home. Horses don’t care who you are, what you have done or not done or where you come from, this creates a non-judgmental environment, which can help people open up. 

We hope that sharing some of the experiences people had, will give you more insight into how Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) works and affects lives: 

How can horses help or support you? 

Horses are always congruent, present and connected to their bodies and completely honest about how they are feeling, giving them a powerful presence and authenticity. Because of this, horses are like extraordinary mirrors, they quickly pick up on your energy and emotions, and reflect with incredible accuracy how you really feel in the present moment. How you feel is more important than what you think when you are interacting with horses.

The horse opens the doorway for you to let go of your persona’s and social masks, so you can step fully into a more authentic, and connected way of being. They become a guide for you as you explore the inner terrain of your psyche allowing you to deeply immerse yourself in the depths of your emotions without getting lost or overwhelmed. This experience connects you with your true nature, catalysing powerful transformation on a mental, emotional and physical level. 

So, why are we writing this post today? It’s come to to our attention that there is still a lot of confusion around how horses can support people with mental health issues. Also, many people are not aware that any form of Equine Facilitated Learning or Equine Therapy even exists and what the benefits are.  

We want to change this for you and as many people as we can, so here’s what we want to do for you:

For the next 3 months, we are offering an introduction session. If you want to give EFL a try, but don’t know if it is for you then this is your opportunity to check it out! Come and meet Ben and our horses and let them support you! The initial consultation usually costs $150, but we want to spread awareness and give you the opportunity to experience it. So… the introduction session is ONLY $60 for 1.5 hours with Ben and the horses!! Please make sure you use the code INTRO when booking your session. 

Give us a call or email us toady. We are here to answer all your questions or discuss your concerns. 

Please help us spread the word and let people know about the healing powers horses can have! Share this post. If you know a loved one how is suffering and could benefit from this, share this knowledge with them.

Thank you for your support! We are here to help!

We would love to hear about your personal challenges and what it would mean to overcome them?! Click here and leave a comment below.