WHILE many traditional forms of therapy are widely recognised, equine therapy remains relatively unknown despite the wide range of benefits it can provide.

While speaking to several residents on Monmouth high street it highlighted that although some had heard of equine therapy, some were unaware of the benefits and the difference it can make, while some had never heard of it at all.

In a small hamlet in Monmouthshire, Mamhilad is known for its tranquil countryside and a popular location as it is situated near the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Whilst also a focal point for British Army soldiers who used the wide landscape to train soldiers in preparation to fight for the country.

The Equine Therapy Centre, located in Mamhilad is home to a special place of horses and ponies to support people who are suffering with their mental health and wellbeing. The centre has a particular focus on neuroscience- based trauma therapy.

The Beacon spoke to Founding Director of the Equine Therapy Centre, Nicky Amor to find out how Equine Therapy has transformed lives.

“We work mainly on a one-to-one basis, on a therapeutic basis with our client. We sometimes do group work, and we even work with corporates.

“The majority of our work is one to one clinically based trauma type work.”

Equine Therapy includes working in partnership with a horse and can help create calmness as it slows heart rate, assembles trust and helps people reunite.

“One of the first things we will look to do with the client is get them to choose a working partner. The horse they choose, we would then go through a variety of different exercises,” added Nicky.

Exercises can include brushing the horse to bring calmness and cleaning hoofs to strengthen trust and sustain connection.

Equine Therapy has been felt by many, including Marion Rose who attended a separate centre to help with her depression.

“It was just the freedom of just sitting there and feeling this horse just move underneath you.

“That really spurred me on to get myself out of the house and I started to feel that my depression was getting less and less.

“I progressed to actually get my own horse. I was willing to go out to places, see other people.

“I would be housebound, not having a life whatsoever. Physically getting worse because I’m not doing anything with my body to keep my body moving and it’s very important to keep your body moving because it will deteriorate on its own if you don’t.”

Equine Therapy horses can help everyone who come into contact with them, including Megan Jenkins who helped volunteer with therapy horses, and despite not being the person attending the session she noticed the benefits they provide.

“I think horses can change lives, so if we use that in the form of therapy, we can really help a lot of people.”

Equine Therapy horses are specially chosen to help those who need support with their mental health and wellbeing and by providing different qualities they are transforming many lives.