RELEVANT DATA IN SUPPORT OF USING HORSES

FOR EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY

Studies show that during interpersonal encounters,

only ten percent of human communication is verbal

Yet in our increasingly fast-paced, technological culture, we’ve virtually become mesmerized by words as our social and educational systems teach us to neglect the nonverbal dimensions of experience. Cell phones, email, and text messaging, though incredibly convenient, further compromise our effectiveness over time as entire populations voluntarily—and unnecessarily—accept the limitations of a machine-like existence, ignoring powerful stores of nonverbal wisdom, the 'other 90 percent' that arguably makes us human.

Even more disturbing for those with leadership aspirations, over-reliance on verbal communication causes accomplished, well-meaning, well-educated people to ignore the key to advanced personal and professional success. Namely that the behavior, facial expressions, body postures, feelings, commitment, intuitions, and energy/enthusiasm (or lack thereof) behind our words can either add immeasurable power to the simplest requests or seriously undermine the most eloquent speeches.

As a leader in any organization—be it work, school, church, community/political endeavors, or family life—you’ve experienced the challenges of motivating others to get things done. As a student, employee, or volunteer in a non-commercial organization, you may have felt powerless when you weren’t making the impact you’d hoped to—and you couldn’t quite figure out why.

When left unresolved, these feelings can’t help but intensify into a tangled mass of disappointment, agitation, frustration, anger, blame, and betrayal, as well as other disempowering emotions such as shame, guilt, boredom or apathy. Over time, this leads to a toxic work or home environment where increasing confusion, disillusionment and resentment are expressed through sarcasm one minute, icy silence the next, and, on occasion, out­right shouting matches that damage relationships, sometimes irreparably.

Even if your motive is pure profit, there’s no denying this dynamic effects the bottom line at work, costing a fortune in job turnover, ineffective management, lack of teamwork, careless yet expensive mistakes and, most insidiously, people who simply 'retire in place'.