Equine-Assisted Camp

Erin Teigen

May 28, 2019

As we all eagerly anticipate the arrival of summer, it’s got me thinking about camp! One of my favorite camps to facilitate is a week-long, equine-assisted camp to empower young women within the inclusive, farm environment. The group includes six girls from the ages of 7-17 with a range of emotional/cognitive/physical challenges. Working with horses optimizes opportunities for growth in confidence, social and communication skills development, and team building within this population of emerging young women.

Here are some highlights of the activities campers engage in together throughout the week on the inclusive farm!

Erin Teigen

March 27, 2019

Equine-Inspired Journal Templates

Erin Teigen

March 27, 2019

Journaling is an evidence-based approach proven to benefit both your physical and emotional health. When you write down your emotional experiences, you activate the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex in the brain that helps to relax neural activity linked to strong emotional feelings. Not to mention, studies also offer that journaling is associated with improved outcomes for fighting diseases like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS and cancer. Overall, putting pen to paper to reflect on the day in your own words helps both physical and emotional wounds heal faster.

Here are seven equine-inspired journal templates to get you started on a reflective writing practice!

Erin Teigen

March 3, 2019

Three Equine Approaches to Optimize Mindfulness

Erin Teigen

March 3, 2019

A session on the farm today transformed into an impromptu mindfulness session when we discovered the herd laying for an afternoon interlude in their paddocks. Not wanting to disturb their naps, we met our horse where he was today--utterly relaxed with his hooves tucked under him, eyes gently closed and trusting of his environment. We sat together in a circle with the snoozing horse and guided the client through a meditation, grounded in the natural, bucolic environment.

Here are three equine techniques (no pony required!) to try as you delve into your next mindfulness practice, whether it’s taking a few minutes to focus on your breath or using a guided meditation on an app (Insight Timer, Calm, or Headspace).