Since
its domestication 3000 years ago, the storied history of horse and
man together exemplify special bonding---the loyalty of horse to
man---the love of man for horse.
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| FLAMENCO TAN NOBLE |
The cinematic prestige of movies like ''Seabiscuit,'' ''National Velvet'', ''War Horse'' and ''The Black Stallion'' treat of this deep esteem for the noble equine characteristic.
A
less heralded yet equally deserving acclaim champions the horse as
healing benefactor to mentally retarded people.
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| Patient at Empoderamiento Con Caballos |
Marthy
Ch, a nurse for The Ministry of Public Health of Ecuador, also works
with therapeutic horses and those patients whom she calls her
''babies'' at Empoderamiento con Caballos, (Empowerment with
Horses)--- an organization directed by clinical psychologist
Christini Ring and located in the Cotacachi area of Imbabura Province
in Ecuador.
''Horses
generate a deep motivation,'' Ch says, ''they perceive who we really
are.''
This
equine sensitivity awakens healing of awareness in the patients.
''Being
in the presence of horses takes us more to the present moment, we
calm down, we concentrate more and more,'' said Ch. ''A
transformation happens...personally I love this because I feel it in
my soul.''
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| Marthy Ch with horse and patient |
''It
seems there is something special and mystical in connection with
horses,'' said Ch. ''People of all ages are attracted to horses
because of their majestic beauty, grace, stature and strength.''
What
aspects thrive in those horses best suited for therapy to the
intellectually disabled? Obvious but important to highlight---horses
do not judge nor label and categorize as less in value compared
to normal people---their mentally retarded riders, walkers and
groomers.
Ch
explains horses have unique personalities, physical capacities and
individual limitations, just as do the people whom they help treat.
The best of all, she says, is horses never lie and always give
immediate and honest response.
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| Horse groomer at work |
''Positive
experiences with human-horse interactions have shown profound healing
for those with emotional and mental challenges,'' said Ch. ''As a
result, children with autism often begin to say new words or express
themselves more frequently.''
Empoderamiento
con Caballos hosts a celebration on August 3, which will include a
horse kissing booth, carrot tossing, horse poop bingo and more, other
fun games. The fiesta is from 12 pm to 3 pm at Finca Pluma Blanca,
Cotacachi-Quiroga. More info is at telephone number 098 3591 568. All are invited and
entrance is free. All proceeds go to the equine therapy program.
