Animal-Assisted Therapy
The Healing Power of Animals
Animal-Assisted TherapyAnimals at Sandhill Center
Animals are an integral part of life at Sandhill Center, offering comfort, connection, and therapeutic support. Our campus is home to a variety of animals, including horses, therapy dogs, peacocks, and Socks, our remarkable cat. These animals play a vital role in helping children build emotional resilience and develop meaningful connections.
Co-Regulation and Calm
Interacting with animals provides children with opportunities for co-regulation, which helps them manage stress and emotions. For example, therapy dogs mirror a child’s emotional state, creating a calming influence that supports emotional regulation and builds a foundation for self-regulation.
Empathy and Emotional Growth
Caring for animals fosters empathy, patience, and confidence. Activities such as feeding, grooming, and interacting with animals encourage children to develop a deeper understanding of responsibility and compassion. These experiences help children enhance their ability to connect with others.
The Transformative Role of Horsemanship
Horsemanship is a cornerstone of the Sandhill program, offering children a powerful therapeutic experience that extends beyond the barn. Working with horses allows children to build skills in emotional regulation, confidence, and trust.
Emotional Regulation Through Interaction: Horses are highly attuned to human emotions and respond to the energy and demeanor of the children. This provides immediate feedback, teaching children to manage their feelings and maintain a calm, centered state.
Building Trust and Connection: Developing a bond with a horse requires consistency, patience, and care. For children who may struggle with forming relationships, this process can be transformative, fostering trust and mutual respect.
Responsibility and Routine: Caring for horses, such as feeding, grooming, and cleaning stalls, instills a sense of responsibility and discipline. These structured activities create stability and promote personal growth.
Improved Motor and Social Skills: Therapeutic horseback riding engages children physically, improving balance, coordination, and posture. It also enhances social skills as children communicate with staff and peers during riding sessions.
A Safe Space for Growth: The non-judgmental nature of horses creates a safe environment where children feel empowered to explore their emotions and build self-esteem.
At Sandhill Center, horsemanship is more than just an activity—it is a profound and healing experience that helps children develop skills and capacities they can carry into every aspect of their lives.