This can make it difficult for them to remain calm and can severely damage their personal relationships. It is this stress that often leads veterans to substance abuse. However, equine therapy has proven effective at giving veterans emotional stability, which can be a major factor in attaining long term sobriety. This mental health treatment presents veterans with a safe creature to open up to. Because horses are non-judgmental and cannot reject anyone, they help people open up in ways that traditional therapy can’t. For veterans who undergo equine therapy, they often report a variety of emotional benefits: • Reduced stress • Increased confidence • Relationship building skills • Improved ability to trust others Each of these benefits aids in long term mental health and addiction recovery. Because of these interactions with horses, veterans start sobriety on the right foot and stay in recovery. 2. Horse Therapy Prepares Veterans for Sobriety As any recovering addict will tell you, sobriety is a lot of work. The same is also true for working with horses, which is what makes equine therapy so effective. Horses require patience and perseverance, and the process of caring for them is not always pleasant. These are the lessons that patients need to learn to stay sober. By teaching patients how to care for horses, equine therapists also teach patients how to care for themselves. Throughout equine therapy sessions, patients learn vital skills for living a sober lifestyle in the real world. These skills don’t just translate to addiction, either.
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