People
A Day To Horse Around
Some workplaces are known to implement a “bring your pet to work” day but when your pets are horses, that’s a little difficult to do. So Alex simply decided instead to bring her work to her pets.
Alex manages one of two side-by-side home living options facilitated by Communitas Supportive Care Society. Alexander lives in one of these homes and knows about Alex’s horses, often asking when he could come and see them.
“Since he’d been asking for a while now, we finally made a plan and committed to it,” Alex says.
On a sunny day in June, Alexander, his roommates Austin and Jadacey as well as their neighbours Koren and Melody went on a field trip to Alex’s home where her horses Chicory and Gunner were eager to greet them.
Alex says each person responded differently.
“Alexander loved holding the reigns for Gunner and Chicory,” Alex says. “He also loved sharing his Cheetos with Gunner.”
Koren was nervous at first but loved it when Gunner was breathing warm air on his hand. Austin and Melody both loved their contact with the horses.
“Melody was so happy, she really loves animals,” Alex says.
Animals are known to have a therapeutic effect on humans. Horses are said to be able to detect human heartbeat from up to four feet away. Friendly interaction with horses can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and increase oxytocin and dopamine. Equine therapy has been known to be highly effective in treating people with PTSD and other mental health challenges.
As a horse owner, Alex has direct experience with the therapeutic effect of her own animals. Gunner’s life was not good until Alex rescued him. Gunner knows instinctively when people are nervous or have a hard time seeing. He will breathe on their hands or nuzzle their legs to let them know he’s there.
“I didn’t teach Gunner any of that, he just does it,” Alex says. “Gunner brings so much joy to people and he knows it.”
Alex says that Gunner and Chicory know when she’s having a bad day or is feeling sad or stressed. Both horses will cuddle her or do something to make her laugh.
Alex also says that her horses never seem to judge people, accepting them as they are. Alex feels that this is significant.
“I think the people we serve are often judged because of their appearance or their diagnosis,” Alex says. “So it’s nice to be able to put them together with Gunner and Chicory, who just want to be loved and who can show love.”
The visit with Chicory and Gunner was such a success that Alex wants to arrange for more visits.
“This brings so much to the people we serve,” she says. “We will definitely do it again!”
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