Horse Wisdom Program™
The Horse Wisdom Program™ is a 7-session experiential learning program developed by Meg Kirby, founder of the Equine & Animal Assisted Psychotherapy Institute (EAAPI).
Through safe and supported experiences with horses, participants are invited to develop greater awareness of themselves, their thoughts, feelings, relationships, and responses to life's challenges.
The program explores themes including regulation, awareness, boundaries, feelings, relationships, thinking, and facing life's challenges.
As awareness grows, opportunities for greater understanding, connection, resilience, and choice can emerge.
Suitable for young people and adults.
No riding or previous horse experience is required.
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Developing awareness of when we are becoming activated and exploring simple ways to support ourselves to return to a calmer state.
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Learning to notice what is happening within us and around us. This includes becoming aware of our thoughts, feelings, body sensations, behaviours, relationships, and environment. As awareness grows, we can become more present, grounded, and able to respond with greater choice and understanding.
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Developing an understanding of healthy boundaries, including personal space, touch, and communication. Learning to recognise what feels okay for us, what doesn't, and how to express our needs clearly and respectfully.
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Becoming more aware of our thoughts, beliefs, and self-talk, and exploring how they influence the way we feel, behave, and respond to life's challenges. Learning to recognise helpful and unhelpful thinking and offer ourselves kinder, more supportive thoughts.
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Learning to recognise and understand our feelings and emotions. Exploring how our feelings can provide valuable information and how we can express them in healthy and respectful ways. By noticing the early sensations in our bodies, we can become more aware of what we are experiencing and respond with greater choice.
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Exploring what helps relationships feel safe, respectful, and supportive. Learning about trust, communication, boundaries, and the importance of both giving and receiving in relationships. Developing awareness of healthy ways to navigate differences, challenges, and conflict.
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In our final session, participants reflect on the learning and experiences gained throughout the program.
Together, we revisit the key themes of regulation, awareness, boundaries, feelings, relationships, and thinking, exploring how these can support us in navigating everyday challenges with greater understanding, confidence, and choice.