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Experience mindfulness with horses
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At Calverstown Equine Services & Therapies, we are passionate about helping individuals achieve a state of mindfulness and inner peace in their day to day lives. Our approach involves using horses as a metaphor for mindfulness, teaching individuals to focus on the present moment, without judgment and to become aware of their thoughts. Horses are naturally intuitive and grounded creatures, and we believe spending time with them can help individuals better understand themselves and their surroundings. If you are looking for a unique way to cultivate mindfulness in your life, Calverstown Equine Services & Therapies is the perfect place for you.
WHAT IS MINDFULNESS?
The easiest way to describe mindfulness is to describe what it is not!
Controlling events and people
This demonstrates judgement, lack of acceptance and not being present minded.
Being Negative
Negative people tend to approach experiences with a critical or pessimistic mind-set which can hinder your ability to be fully present.
Not being present minded
Either worrying about the future or ruminating about past experiences and reliving them over and over.
Scattered Thinking
Scattered thinking includes overthinking, negative thinking/imagination (worrying).
Being Judgemental
Every time we judge or criticise others we are placing barriers between ourselves and others. To judge is the ego wanting to feel superior.
Resistance
Trying to avoid or push away uncomfortable thoughts or emotions.
Impatience
Thinking about the future, not the present moment.
Being selfish or arrogant
To believe you are superior, prioritising your own needs.
Only noticing others faults
Being a perfectionist. Perfectionism sets us up for failure and in turn can lead to negative consequences.
"Feel connected to nature and ourselves".
MEET FIONA
Hi there, my name is Fiona and I am a Mindfulness Coach at Calverstown Equine Services & Therapies.
My love for horses has been a constant in my life and has taught me a lot about strength, resilience and acceptance. However, following a severe trauma a few years ago, I turned to mindfulness and it has transformed my life. I am passionate about sharing this practice with others and helping them find peace, healing, and appreciation for ourselves and of course these amazing horses.
BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS
INCREASED AWARENESS
Mindfulness encourages you to become more aware of your thoughts,
emotions, and bodily sensations.
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REDUCED REACTIVITY
Caused by anxiety - By practicing mindfulness, you can become less reactive to
anxiety-provoking situations and stimuli.
ACCEPTANCE
Mindfulness fosters an attitude of acceptance towards your feelings, including fear. Rather than trying to push fear away or suppress it, you acknowledge it
as a natural response to a perceived threat.
REDUCED DISTRACTIONS
With practice, mindfulness slows a busy mind this leads to a better attention
span.
GROUNDING IN THE PRESENT
Fear often arises from thoughts about future events or past traumas.
Mindfulness keeps your focus on the present moment, which can prevent excessive worrying about the future or ruminating on the past.
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CALMNESS AND RELAXATION
Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing and meditation, can induce a state of relaxation which can improve immune responses.
REDUCED CATASTROPHIC THINKING
Fear often involves catastrophic thinking, where you imagine the worst possible outcomes. Mindfulness can help you recognise and challenge this irrational thought
patterns and Improve problem-solving skills.
LESS SELFISH
Mindfulness can make a person less selfish by promoting self-awareness, empathy, and a greater sense of interconnectedness with others.
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IMPROVED SELF-REGULATION
Through mindfulness, you can develop better emotional regulation skills. This can Increase positive emotions.
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ENHANCED RELATIONSHIPS
Mindfulness fosters better communication, empathy, and active listening skills, which can improve the quality of interpersonal relationships.
SERVICES
FAQ
Why do you use horses?
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Horses offer non-judgmental and reflective feedback. Horses are highly attuned to their environment and the emotions of those around them. This can create a safe and non-threatening environment for individuals in therapy, allowing them to explore their feelings and thoughts without fear of judgment. Horses are the epitome of mindfulness.
Who can benefit from EAMT?
EAMT can be beneficial for anyone who is looking to improve their emotional and mental well-being, including individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health concerns. We always recommend this type of therapy to be used in coordination with your health professional.
Do you need to be familiar with horses to partake?
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No prior horse experienced is necessary. However,
if you are nervous, please inform the therapist
Is EAMT outside or inside?
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We Offer controlled therapy which is based in a sheltered stable yard and our open sessions are out in the elements.
If you’re afraid of horses, can you still do EAMT?
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Yes, overcoming fear and anxiety is a by product of mindfulness.