Read about Iris' journey of survival to Wild Horse Haven and methods of myofascial therapy to give her a life on our new blog
Our therapy horses were in full demand at our Horse Heart Breathing event. HHB is our method of incorporating all of our senses in a learning protocol to reduce stress and anxiety. Touch is important as you reach out to stroke the horse on the neck and then wrap your arms around him feeling his warmth and calm demeanor. This feeling engulfs you with a sense of peace, it clears your head and relaxes you, enabling you to make rational decisions if need be. But what about when you are not with the horse? We have specially designed items to assist you in remembering this feeling with the horse, items that you can have with you at all times. These tokens of the horse are given to you after the session of Horse Heart Breathing so that you draw upon the power of the horse at any time.
We will be having several events throughout the year featuring Horse Heart Breathing, we will also be available every Saturday afternoon with the horses (please text or call that you are coming out.
We are also scheduling sessions of connecting with the horses or for a tour of the rescue for yourself, your family or your group. Call or text for an appointment. There is no fee. 520-698-7685
Located just outside of Safford, AZ
If you do, contact us to schedule an introductory session with Sidewinder, Chief Medicine Horse at Wild Horse Haven. Connect with the horses and leave stress behind. Learn how to draw upon the Power of the Horse to relieve stress even when you are not here. There is never a fee for these services due to a generous grant from the United Way.
Our volunteers serve a vital purpose here at Wild Horse Haven, from boys who help build fences and set up for events to teenage girls who groom horses and assist with horses during sessions. Some of our volunteers, boys and girls are even helping to facilitate Horse Heart Breathing. If you would like to volunteer send us a message through the website.
Our resident Medicine Horse, Odin-Sidewinder assists a participant up out of her wheel chair as she wraps her arms around his neck. Read more about this amazing horse in "The Horses" section and in the blog.
The first thing one will experience a the ranch is a hug from Sidewinder. As you hug Sidewinder think of the connection that you can make with this amazing horse.
Walking with Sidewinder along the trail, one must learn to be aware of surroundings and to the horse. It takes 2 to navigate some of the obstacles that may be in your path. Communication between you and the horse is essential.
Participants enjoy painting their handprints or other designs on the side of a horse with non-toxic tempura paints and the horse loves the attention!
Horse hugs are one of the first things participants experience at Wild Horse Haven. They wrap one arm around the horses neck from underneath, place these head against the horses neck and the other hand over his heart. This is held for a minute while the participant feels a connecting bond with the horse, often there is crying involved.
Donkeys need love to, Kids love hugging on the donkeys
Connecting with a horse.
Connecting with a horse.
Another popular activity at the ranch is connecting with the donkeys. Donkeys and kids love the attention, just don't try to hand feed the donkeys, fingers look like tasty carrots!
Donkeys have an exceptional memory and are very adept at problem solving. A 2013 study showed that donkeys can learn and problem solve at the same rate as dolphins and dogs. Donkeys develop strong emotional bonds with their friends, they will remember and recognize animals or humans for years.
Donkeys have been much abused by humans. We must make efforts to protect and support them. They are wonderful loving creatures.
We give a home to the abused, neglected, injured, and disabled. Those that no one else wants. We let them live, they make friends and have a quality of life for as long as they live.
Read the amazing true story of Aegis in the wild protecting his downed brother on our "The Horses" section.