Developed by Stable Friendships co-founder, Melissa Jarzynski, this program can be implemented in both clinical and community-based settings. In line with research by Keeling (2009) & Gehrke (2010), we know that human heart rates can be influenced by equine heart rates and thus can create a calming effect in humans. In the ‘Finding Peace in the Paddock’ program, every session begins with meditation and trauma-informed stretching and then is followed by specially designed activities to allow the participants to have hands-on engagement with horses.
Research: A small sample case study was performed looking at how the program addressed stress in clients (2022). The Findings: A large impact was seen in the modified Face Pain Scale – a method for children to self-report the intensity of pain. In this case-study the results showed that pairing ground horsemanship with trauma- informed stretching can directly impact a participants’ physiological response to the activities; we are therefore addressing physical pain and dysfunction in a way that has not been attempted before.
Session Fees: All sessions provided by a licensed physical therapist and done in groups. $400/4 wks.
