Empowering At-Risk Youth Through Equine Therapy

Horses can significantly aid in managing anxiety and mental health issues. This form of therapy, often referred to as equine-assisted therapy or therapeutic riding, leverages the unique bond between humans and horses to promote emotional healing and mental well-being.

Healing Through Horsemanship

Ellen Downey, the founder and CEO of Tuff Therapeutic Riding, has spent nearly 25 years witnessing the profound impact horses can have on the lives of at-risk youth. Tuff, supported by the Woodbine Cares initiative, offers therapeutic riding programs in Ontario designed to help young people address mental health issues and change their lives for the better through the bond they form with horses.

Downey reflects on the magic she observes as kids connect with the horses. "Seeing the transition from external defences to genuine vulnerability is always heartening," she shared. "When a child connects with a horse, revealing their true self, it's a powerful transformation."

Tuff Therapeutic Riding Foundation serves diverse groups, including youth in Child Welfare Services, those battling addictions, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. At the Jewel View farm, nestled just an hour north of Toronto in Alliston, these young individuals learn basic horsemanship and riding skills amidst 100 acres of scenic, rolling hills. The farm, home to 12 dedicated horses including five retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police geldings, provides a unique environment for mental health therapy.

Support and Care

Downey, a social worker with over three decades of experience with at-risk youth, understands that traditional therapy methods often don’t resonate with teenagers. "Horses have an innate ability to provide exactly what these kids need," she said. They create an immediate and powerful bond, offering unconditional understanding, emotional support, and managing difficult emotions.

Her lifelong connection with horses inspired the creation of Tuff. "I've been riding since I was five, and my experiences with horses were so special that I wanted to share that with others," she recounted. Tuff initially partnered with Youthdale Treatment Centres in 2001, evolving into an independent registered charity in 2020.

Tuff’s programs are structured in 10-week sessions tailored to help youth facing mental health challenges, addiction, and those from the 2SLGBTQ+ community or involved in sex trafficking. Youth are referred by organisations such as Pine River Institute, Covenant House, and Dufferin Child and Family Services. 

"We focus on basic horsemanship," Downey explained. "Participants learn to ride and care for the horses, and simultaneously, they address their mental health."

Each session is designed to foster a sense of accomplishment and connection. "The kids learn to regulate themselves while riding these powerful animals. They need to develop impulse control and solve problems in a calm, structured manner," Downey noted. This process helps teenagers manage the emotional and cognitive challenges they face.

In one session called 'Make a Plan,' Downey encouraged a youth struggling with planning to devise a strategy for his horse. He realised: "If I can make a plan for the horse, I can make one for myself," reflecting the program’s ability to impart life skills through horse care.

Effective Therapy

The Tuff program aims to ensure every participant feels empowered and successful. Downey has noticed significant changes in the youth, particularly in reducing anxiety and fostering a sense of calm. "Many kids tell us they feel much calmer, and for those who are constantly anxious, this sense of peace is invaluable," she said.

A regular practice involves group discussions where participants reflect on their emotions before and after each session. Downey recalled, "We start by sharing a word that describes their feelings upon arrival and then discuss their experiences at the end. It's a therapeutic process that helps them articulate and process their emotions."

One of the most rewarding moments for Downey is witnessing the initial excitement and the deep connections formed between the youth and their horses. "Every time a kid gets their first leg-up on a horse, it's a magical moment," she said. 

She remembered a particularly touching interaction with a young participant who said, "I now know what happiness feels like," a sentiment that nearly brought her to tears. Another youth gradually opened up by talking to his horse about video games, which eventually led him to discuss his personal struggles.

Tuff's summer programs, funded by Woodbine Cares, focus on supporting the 2SLGBTQI+ group, offering continuity during a period when their usual clinical support is unavailable. 

Woodbine Cares, an initiative by Woodbine Entertainment, supports programs that enhance community health and sustainability. They fund initiatives under three main themes: Vibrant and Connected Communities, For the Love of Horses, and the Environment & Sustainability. These efforts include substantial community donations, microgrants, volunteer engagement opportunities, and environmental sustainability projects.

Downey’s ultimate goal for Tuff participants is to leave the program in a better place than when they arrived. "Seeing them leave with big smiles, a stark contrast to the look they had when they first came in, means more than words can express," she said.

The transformative journey that these youths embark on at Jewel View, supported by the dedicated team at Tuff, is a testament to the profound impact that horses can have on healing and personal growth.