HISTORY
Ancient Greeks started to use horses as a therapeutic aid to help patients with incurable diseases. The first recorded mention is found in the writings of Hippocrates who discussed the therapeutic value of horse riding.
The idea to achieve cooperation through working in sympathy with a horse is not new: there are cases documented as early as in Xenophon's "Treatise on Riding" (c.430-354 BC) who placed emphasis on operative conditioning and confidence instead of punishment, among other points.
The first "Horse Tamers" who made it their work to observe the natural behavior of horses in order to establish relationships of trust between them began to emerge in the United States of America at the beginning of the 1970's.
WHY HORSES?
Horses are animals that grow in herds. They are extremely perceptive and sensitive; this is why they only respond to authentic and congruent leadership. Horses only see us through our energy. They do not distinguish hierarchies or titles; they only recognize who you "here and now".
Ninety three per cent of communication between humans is nonverbal, unlike between horses whose communication is 100% non-verbal. This is the reason why we cannot deceive them. They do not understand words or manipulation and will only follow the leader they can trust. One of the great advantages of working with horses is that they will allow us to develop that 93% of our language.
Horses give us immediate feedback mirroring everything that is happening; that is why the results are fast and tangible.
The feedback we receive from the horses is so direct and honest that there is no room for hiding. Although you may feel exposed, both a horse and a coach are compassionate guides who create an open and safe space for your learning.