There is no doubt parenting is a difficult job but one of the things we can always do to make our lives as fathers easier is to know what sort of help is available. Sometimes it is difficult to ask for help but fathers of troubled teens appreciate the unique healing powers of equine therapy.
Horses Have The X Factor Some Teens Need
When teens get out of hand it can be really difficult to bring their behavior back online. Horses, on the other hand, have a way of reaching troubled teens no human can. While parents and counselors work from the outside in, horses are able to access the soul and psyche. Equine therapy has a way of getting in touch with all of their emotional and psychological issues. Working with horses has the ability to tap into a teen’s emotions. And, for teens who struggle with specific disorders such as autism or ADHD horses actually become a calming influence which makes it easier for counselors to work with them.
Common Issues Horses Help Heal
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Communication Issues
- Trauma
- Mood Disorders and Depression
- Substance Abuse and Addiction
- Behavioral Disorders including Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Learning Disorders
- Physical Disabilities
Horse Sense
In addition to reaching troubled teens emotionally, horses are also therapeutic for the whole body. Horses rely on body language and verbal cues which forces the young man to adapt to a gentle and direct style of communication. However horseback riding also engages the core like few other movements can. As troubled teens engage their whole body physically and mentally, working with horses increases the teens emotional strength which in turn increases their confidence and willingness to work through their issues with their therapist.
Horse-Man-Ship
As troubled teens develop horsemanship, they cultivate qualities which will help them become successful teens and better adults. From horses teens learn:
- Compassion and Empathy
- Responsibility for their animal and themselves
- Respect for themselves, animals, and for other authority figures
- Problem solving
- Leadership
- Communication on multiple levels
Equine therapy is the optimum choice for teens with multiple and/or complicated issues. However, for teens who have suffered any sort of abuse, equine therapy is actually the gentlest form of therapy available.
As a father you always want the best for your teens and when they become troubled teens great dads know this is one of the best options for their children. So what I did was buy horse tack and other horse equipment and accessories. When my teens and I have time we do horseback riding. Teens who complete equine therapy say it is a life changer and a life saver.