Taster session in human therapy

Greatwood racehorse rescue centre in Marlborough is hosting an unusual workshop this month, using some of the horses as therapy for humans.

The taster session is being run by highly experience Equine Facilitated Psychotherapist Miranda Carey, who aims to show people how they can better understand themselves through gauging the horses' response to interaction between human and animal.

Miranda, of Lydney, Gloucestershire, explains: "EFP works because horses are so good at picking up our emotions. They can recognise our body language and pick up fear, anxiety, timidity, aggression and even physical or mental pain and their reactions to us are always absolutely honest.

"I act as a kind of translator, prompting people to recognise patterns in their behaviour. For example, a shy, timid person might be unable to prevent a horse from pushing into their personal space, preferring to step back and give way rather than stand their ground. It's quite likely such a person cannot set personal boundaries, won't stand up for themselves and can't say no to people.

"I do work with some very traumatised people, but EFP can help anyone, from people struggling with grief or relationship breakdown, to addiction or abuse, but a lot of people come simply to learn how to be better communicators."

Greatwood already runs a successful Horse Power scheme for children with special needs, but the EFP workshop is a new venture.

The taster session runs from 9am to 1pm on Saturday, July 9, at Greatwood, in Wiltshire. Cost is £75 per person. To book a place, call Miranda Carey on 01594 842748.