The “hands-on” approach to outdoor adventure therapy at Pure Life Adventure, also includes equine therapy and will be included in the adolescent programming starting summer 2023.
Young adults that attend Pure Life have been enjoying the benefits of horse therapy for several years under the guidance of equine specialists. More than just horseback riding, equine therapy gives students the opportunity to care for horses during their stay in Costa Rica.
Horses have a strong emotional sense which allows Pure Life students to work on connections and relationships with their horse. As they build this relationship and connection, there are important benefits that will positively alter their future.
Students that have participated in the Pure Life equine therapy program experience:
- Improved social and emotional awareness.
- Improved communication skills.
- Increased empathy.
- Increased distress tolerance.
- Improved ability to trust themselves and others.
Working with another living being, especially one who cannot communicate with words, requires focus, attentiveness, and reading social and emotional cues to ensure your horse and others are safe, happy, and focused. Communication is the key to keeping the horses and students safe and empathy recognition increases as the students think outside themselves to care for their horse.
Participants work on their ability to manage actual or perceived stress and equine therapy creates a unique opportunity to build trust through caring for and interacting with their horse.
Pure Life Adventure uses researched-based techniques with integrated therapeutic models throughout its adventure therapy program. Pure Life’s adventure therapy program, based in Costa Rica, works with struggling adolescents and young adults to build self-efficacy, teach healthy coping strategies, behavioral and emotional regulation, leadership skills, and life skills that will allow participants to become independent, productive, and successful adults. For more information about Pure Life’s adventure therapy model and admission process, please visit https://www.purelifeadventure.com
