Equines on campus providing stress relief to college students
By Ry Clarke - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on October 6, 2022.
Herald photo by Ry Clarke
Therapy horse King and handler Drusilla Pearson were on campus to help students distress with head nuzzles and gentle stares at the Founders Square green space Wednesday at Lethbridge College.The Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association trotted over to Lethbridge College this week for some animal de-stressing.
Part of an outreach program developed by the Association, the horses bring therapy to the community with animal-to-human contact. Held in the Founder’s Square green space, horses King and Toby showed students the healing aura that comes from being up-close and personal with the animals.
“It is an absolute privilege to be here,” said Jason Shriner, executive director of the association. “We are an equine therapy center, and one of our programs is a therapeutic outreach. We are bringing the horses into the community which brings joy and benefits of therapy to students, to patients, in different capacities.”
The association also does outreach in other areas, noting the benefits that comes from having this experience.
“We have been bringing them all throughout southern Alberta, so that individuals who aren’t able to come to a farm context can have that joy, that benefit, and that connection,” said Shriner. “We have an outreach downtown with the homeless. That moment of humanity where they are experiencing true authentic comfort, reminds them that there is good in that moment of remembering. There is a recognition of ‘I might need some help’ and we come with appropriate help and resources to reach out when someone has that moment.”
The association brought that moment of relief to the college, connecting with students who may be experiencing issues or needing a moment of calm.
“Having this program here really supports one of our core values, Lethbridge College cares,” said Brad Donaldson, college president. “Tying in to the horses, there is a very strong relationship to the Indigenous culture. As we continue to grow our Indigenous understanding, awareness, and look to integrating the cultures to the mutual benefit of both of us. Horses are a clear representation of that.”
Providing an opportunity for students that need support while having access to a silent buddy that nuzzles your shoulder, the therapeutic horses help provide a moment of calm on campus.
“The bond between humans and horses has gone on for generations, and it is tried, tested and true to bring out the very best in humanity,” said Shriner.
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