Thunder Bay’s Townline Equestrian Centre provides horse therapy for those living with anxiety, trauma or disabilities.
People of all ages can spend time riding or caring for the horses to relieve anxiety and boost their mood.
Horse therapy, and many forms of animal therapy, have been proven to provide comfort and increase motor skills.
Owner of the centre, Julie Grgurich, says their programs have made a significant impact on visitors. They can benefit from simply brushing or petting the horses.
“When most of these kids come to our program, they come with a lot of stress and anxiety,” said Grgurich. “They start brushing the horses and you quickly see them forget about those emotions by focusing on the horse.”
Grgurich adds that children with touch disorders have improved by touching the animals.
“Horses mirror how people are feeling, which helps people learn to regulate those intense emotions.”
They began to recognize how humans can benefit from horses during the pandemic.
“A lot of our younger students seemed to struggle with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Grgurich. “Many of them would sign up for our programs and parents couldn’t believe the difference it would make.”
Townline Equestrian Centre opened in 2012, but Grgurich has been in the horse business for 50 years. The centre now has 15 horses.
“Our goal is to eventually work with a health-care professional, because we see the difference in how our ponies and horses help those with personal issues.”
She adds that these programs rely on exposure and cost money.
They will be at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition from August 7 – 11 for those who are interested in their programs. To learn more about the centre, click here.
Children in the programs can touch, ride or care for the horses for emotional support.
