In equine-assisted psychotherapy, or EAP, the horse s emotional responsiveness serves as the catalyst for the patient s growth. EAP emphasizes the significance of nonverbal communication through a series of exercises carried out by the patient on the ground rather than on the horse. Myers was the first person to earn the organization s level II EAP certification, which makes her eligible to train and certify others. Nationwide, only five people currently have level II certification, according to Greg Kersten, director of Equine Services. As for the horses, Lilly said the key is finding one with the right disposition.
Horses work well with adults too.
Myers has one client who is recovering from sexual abuse. Interacting with the horse helps that person to learn new behavior patterns. Not aggressive but assertive. Corporate employees come to Myers' Stone Fox Farm team-building exercises. In one, participants are challenged to make the horse perform a particular feat, such as jumping over a bar.