Horses possess an extraordinary ability to synchronize their heartbeats with trusted humans, creating a calming energy that soothes anxiety and frustration. This unique connection enhances the therapeutic experience, fostering a sense of peace that can alleviate the physical manifestations of stress.
Dementia & Memory
Joyful Journeys to Rediscovering Joy, Connection, and Purpose
The true essence of life unfolds "in the moment," a concept that resonates deeply, particularly for those navigating the dementia journey.
When people are affected by dementia, memories become hazy, and thoughts of the future can seem overwhelming.
Yet, amid this uncertainty, a remarkable gift exists—the beauty of the present moment. This transient present is filled with treasures of connection and joy, moments that can spark light even in the darkest times.
At Joyful Journeys, we embrace the profound impact of therapeutic engagement to spark these cherished memories. By fostering meaningful interactions with our horses, participants can reconnect with feelings of joy, comfort, and companionship. This serves as a potent reminder that although memories may fade, the vibrancy of life can still shine through, overflowing with love and connection in the present. In these moments, we genuinely discover the resilience of the human spirit.
Kathleen Pepper, whose father, Donald Pepper, 88, said that this therapy opens him up. “He is much more outgoing after he’s been working with the therapist and the horses; he wants to tell you what the horses have done."
Caregivers and their loved ones with dementia engage
in meaningful horse interactions together.
This shared experience fosters a powerful bond
that enhances their therapeutic journey.
These moments not only improve the effectiveness of the therapy
but also create transformative experiences
that deepen their connection and enrich their relationship
as they navigate this often challenging path together.
Joyful Journeys provides a unique opportunity for personal growth and healing through equine therapy.
By connecting with compassionate horses, individuals can experience transformative moments that help reclaim joy and rediscover meaningful connections.
Equine-assisted therapy for people with dementia fosters emotional well-being and enables participants to find happiness in their daily interactions.
“...Joyful Journeys gives me the ability to connect with my husband like I hadn’t been able to do before.
And it was something that we could do
together because cognitively, he was declining..."
Equine-assisted therapy transcends emotional support; it promotes physical activity and movement, which are essential for overall well-being. Participants who once felt confined to their wheelchairs or dependent on their walkers have found that working with the horses gave them the courage to stand, walk, and experience the horses
from a forgotten perspective.
Horses instinctively know when needed
and will stand quietly, allowing someone
with unsteady legs to lean on them for stability.
Therapy becomes a joyful journey that empowers
caregivers and their loved ones with dementia
to uncover inner strengths!
Watch this moving video of the participants and the research.
Watch the Magic of Equine-Assisted Therapy for Dementia
Residents of Lakewood Care facility with advanced dementia participated in a weekly equine-assisted therapy program. Several individuals could no longer speak, but within a few sessions, they were able to remember the farm and the horses when they arrived.
Executive Director Heather Crumbaugh says
the effects have been remarkable!
“One of the ladies was nonverbal,
and by the end of the first session, she was leading the horse,
and she came over next to me and started talking,
pointing out things like birds and flowers.
She was verbalizing things, which was a complete 180 for her.”