Kids and teens with ADHD can struggle in so many areas. They often need constant supervision to accomplish the simplest daily tasks. They are disorganized and struggle to remember what they are supposed to do next. They lack focus and can be impulsive. And sadly, their peers and adults can lose patience with them, leading to relationship problems, low self-esteem/confidence and even depression. This is certainly not what we want for the children/teens we care for!
There is a lot of evidence that work with horses can be very helpful for those struggling with ADHD. This article in ADDITUDE Inside the ADHD mind shares some of the benefits, from increased focus to better inter-personal skills.
We see it all the time! Horses are prey animals and sudden movements or loud noises worry them, so our clients learn that they need to slow down and be more mindful when working around their horses.
Another gift that horses give us is that they are incredibly non-judgemental and accepting of us. They take us at face value. If we are kind and affectionate with them, they reciprocate, giving us the opportunity to build a bonded relationship with another living creature. This bond can help our clients develop empathy. Increased focus, improved problem solving skills and increased self-confidence are all other benefits that our clients receive through work with horses.
We work with children as young as 4, teens, adults and even seniors. Our clients start out on the ground, with clients learning to be safe and building the relationship they will need to be successful with their horse. Eventually our clients progress to mounted work, where they put the things they learned on the ground about communicating with their horse into practice.
If you know a child or teen who is struggle with ADHD, work with horses may be able to help. We are here to be part of a comprehensive treatment team, providing social, emotional and behavioral growth and learning, as well as Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR), a mental health intervention.
Give us a call or send us an email. We will schedule a time for you to visit the ranch. We will show you around, introduce the horses in our herd, learn more about what you are dealing with and share how we may be able to help.