Spa Time or Barn Time?

Stress Awareness Month
How Your Horse Can Affect Your Stress Levels

Can horses decrease stress in your life?

Yes. Horses can dramatically change your stress levels in a positive way. Horses have been used in clinics for disgruntled teenagers, veterans with PTSD and people living with disabilities. In all cases horses decrease stress.

How do horses decrease stress levels?

Horses are animals of prey. They react negatively to negative emotions. You have to learn how to work with a horse, not have a power struggle with a horse. Learning how to work with a horse, gives you a sense of accomplishment that mirrors everyday life. You can use the skills learned at the barn and use these skills with people you interact with everyday. The relationship between rider and horse is about trust, and teamwork. These are skills that greatly alter stress in the workplace. When teamwork between horse and rider is accomplished, the outcome is amazing.

Horses have a calming effect on people and respond positively to positive emotions. When you are at the barn, think of your “barn time” as spa time; the more you are there, the calmer you become. And always remember to give back. Take a little extra time while brushing your horse and talking to your horse. The outcome will be positive for both rider and horse.

Helpful Stress Reducing Resources

For You
Books

For Your Horse
Brushes
Treats
Toys