Equine Enrichment

Category: Blog

  • Here’s the Scoop Article #2

    Mental Health can impact anyone at anytime!

    People in the helping professions like Doctors, First Responders, Psychologists, Social Workers, and other helpers are at an increased risk of mental illness. A psychologist on CBC radio reported that 1 in 4 doctors have reported that they have had burnout and depression. This number is only representative of reported cases. Indeed, that number is likely much higher.

    These professions are the ones that “take care” of others. “I must be there for my patients”. The belief within these communities is that they would be able to take care of themselves right? This statement could not be further from the truth.

    Everyone needs support and space to process and heal. Being open to your own personal healing is one of the greatest gifts healers can give their patients! When we are feeling complete and whole then we are able to show up fully for patients, clients or others that look to you for support.

    It should no longer okay for these healers to have to go it alone. Some of the stories they hear, or the scenes that they witness would of course cause trauma to occur. When we hear the word trauma the belief is that it must be due to physical, mental or emotional abuse. Indeed, these things absolutely cause trauma. There are also traumas that can occur last week, yesterday or today.

    Remember everyone is out in the world doing the best they can given their life circumstances.

    Everyone – even the ones that take care of others need support!

  • Here’s the scoop article #1

    “Men don’t cry”

    “Showing emotions is weak!”

    Have you ever heard someone say these words?

    The reality is that little boys cry as much as little girls, but somewhere along the way, little boys get these messages that cause them to stuff their feelings away. This can cause men to feel isolated with nobody to talk to. Every human has emotions and they are meant to be felt and shared.

    We are in a crisis at the moment and the facts show that 2/3 of the world population that have suicided are men. So, what can we do to change this. It is important to model for our young boys that crying is OK which means that the adults in their lives must become more authentic in their emotions so that they see that it is OK.

    Little people learn by watching and experiencing the adults in their lives. It is important to find a place that is safe to express, talk about and heal that which causes the deep emotions that lead to suicide. Helping young boys to learn that it is safe to express themselves however they need to not only helps them, it will also lead to healthier relationships later in life with women.

    The gap that says men are superior to women will start to disappear and that will enable relationships to flourish and grow.

    We are all worthy to share and express things that cause us pain.

  • Another Romeo Life Lesson!

    Another Romeo Life Lesson!

    I was riding down the trail the other day with friends on my beloved Romeo – you know the trusted steed!! Well, he was pretty excited about the prospect of being on the trail after enduring days of very cold weather. We went directly to our old ways, which is to push on one another and argue right away as I have certain expectations of him!!
    Part of my journey is continually being able to look in the mirror and try to improve on things in myself that need to change in order to have a better relationship with Romeo. Of course, we are trying to change our old ways or our “old story”!! He was ready to “get into it” and I was reminded by a dear friend that part of what I am working on is to “hang up the phone” on the conversation that is not going anywhere and to try something different. So, Romeo wanted to go into the ditch and I was trying to impose my will and stop him from going in the ditch!!! Hmmm – so I let him, the snow in the ditch was past his knees. He then decided on his own that that was perhaps not the best decision. When he came out I praised the hair off of him. Good choice my friend! A couple more times in the ditch and a couple more good decisions on his part, with no interference from me. Praise when he chose to come out. At that point, our trail-ride turned into a wonderful experience for both of us. (more…)

  • Tirzah & Romeo

    Tirzah & Romeo


    As I was watching my four year old granddaughter the other day take her first solo ride on Romeo it occurred to me how in control she was and how free they both were.  Neither one of them had any worries about what COULD happen – they were in the moment together.

    I stood back, watching in wonder and delight as they rode off as if one being – neither one trying to control the other, but going freely forward together.

    I’ve thought a lot about the idea of “On the other side of fear is freedom”.  The idea that we can appear to be moving forward – however if we carry brace or resistance (fear), then we are stuck.

    How many of us carry those resistances?!  So are we really moving forward freely in our lives.  Brace, fear, resistance to past experiences, trauma, etc cause us to stay stuck and stop us from living the life we are meant to live.  Seeing my granddaughter with Romeo reminded me to live in the moment and ENJOY!