What is Equi-Genesis? Equi-Genesis: Equine-Assisted Human Growth and Development, was developed
from an emerging field in which horses are used as a tool for personal,
emotional and professional growth and learning. Equi-Genesis intervention is a
collaborative effort between a therapist/coach and a horse professional. Because
of it's intensity, it is highly effective in producing change within
organizations and individuals.
Experience based learning. Equi-Genesis is experience-based learning. This means participants learn
about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and
then processing verbal/nonverbal interactions, behaviors, patterns and outcomes.
This approach has been compared to "ropes" courses used by numerous
therapeuticinterventionprograms around the world. Equi-Genesis has the added advantage of
utilizing horses: dynamic, powerful living beings.
Equi-Genesis is not a horsemanship program. Our focus involves setting up ground activities which will encourage the
client to work on targeted skills: such as communication, confidence, attitude,
conflict management, assertiveness, creativity, problem-solving, leadership,
relationship roles, assuming responsibility and teamwork- all while using horses
as partners.
Why use horses? Horses are very much like humans- they are social animals, they have
defined roles within their herds, and they vary in their response to stresses.
They have distinct personalities, attitudes and moods. An approach that seems to
work with one another. At times, they seem stubborn and defiant, other times
they want to play. In other words, horses provide vast opportunities for
metaphorical learning.
