Whispering to horses can help drug addicts

Jim McBeth, May 7, 2006 – The Sunday Times

Drug addicts and alcoholics at a rehabilitation centre are receiving revolutionary treatment in a “horse-whispering” technique.

Patients at Castle Craig hospital in Peeblesshire are being offered Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) to reduce stress and boost their social skills.

A technique developed in America, it builds on the horse-training system devised by Monty Roberts and made famous by the novel and film The Horse Whisperer, which stars Robert Redford.

Robert’s method is based on a “language” shared by horses and men, which wins the trust of any untamed horse within half an hour.

During the sessions, the addicts are encouraged to make a horse perform simple tasks such as coaxing it into a circle, without touching it. If the technique is ineffective, the patient must develop an alternative way to persuade the animal.

“EAP can reach out to patients who have difficulty connecting with their feelings in the more formal therapy” said Aureol Gillan, a chemical dependence therapist and accomplished horsewoman who is involved in the Castle Craig programme. “Patients get frustrated but eventually they realise that they can’t just shout and have to find positive ways to get a horse to do what they want.

“Horses require work. Nothing is achieved instantly and when one plan doesn’t work you have to adopt a different approach. There is no instant gratification, which is something addicts have been chasing during their addiction.”

Peter McCann, who founded Castle Craig 19 years ago, said EAP would complement the centre’s own 12-step recovery programme. It will be offered to the 50 residents who include private and local authority funded patients.

“EPA promotes confidence, teamwork, responsibility and trust,” said McCann.

“I was at a conference last year and I saw it at work. EAP will become a permanent feature of our therapy in the Extended Care Unit”.

Joanne McKee, 30, from Airdrie, Lanarkshire, who is nearing the end of her course to curb drinking, said horse therapy was a “revelation”.

“You can find out a lot about yourself by interacting with them. You can’t push a horse about. You have to lead it, not drag it. It’s the same with people,” she said.