Company provides equine guided learning sessions and workshops
By Abby Welsh
Livingston County Daily Press & Argus
HOWELL, Mich. (AP) - When Brigette Patton received news that her son had a cancerous kidney tumor at 4 months of age, her world was turned upside down.
"We had to get it removed, and in the midst of all of this, we had an epiphany about what's going on and how to actually deal with it," Patton said. "I turned to horses to help me get through this rough time because I had grown up with them my whole life and knew they would help guide me . It would help me clear or block the negativity."
Patton then received a care package in the mail from a friend with information about horse therapy inside, something she was eager to learn more about.
"It was an incredible read, and I was able to meet the author of the book ... and I was also able to meet other people involved with equine guided learning," Patton said. "It was just so inspiring."
Soon after learning more, she decided to start her own business, the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus reports.
In January 2013, From The Ground On Up launched, which provides equine guided learning sessions and workshops. Her business consists of seven barns all in different areas in Michigan. Three of them are in the Howell area: Hidden Promises off Allen Road, Healing Horse Sanctuary off Schafer Road and From The Ground On Up off Sexton Road.
"I loved growing up with horses and riding them and thought this would be a great way to help provide people with reality and how to live in the moment," said Patton, who earned her equine guided learning facilitator certification.
Michele Campbell, one of Patton's clients, was left in awe after her session.
"I felt more grounded," Campbell said. "My time with the horses was great because of their reactions when I said or did something. It's just an amazing feeling."
Patton watches her clients overcome many obstacles with each session. This is what keeps her passion alive.
"It's amazing to see people believe, open up and trust in the horses the way they do," Patton said. "It's a wonderful journey, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. It's really starting to get more recognition."
The latest Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International fact sheet says 56,036 children and adults participated in certified equine therapy programs in 2012 and there were an additional 4,971 on program waiting lists.
Participants typically include people with autism, cerebral palsy, speech impairment, emotional, behavioral or mental health issues, muscular dystrophy, visual and hearing impairment, Down syndrome and multiple sclerosis. People affected by substance abuse or weight-control disorders also can benefit from the therapy, according to the association's fact sheet.
As of now, some of Patton's clients are from drug rehabilitation centers, domestic violence victims, cancer patients and veterans.
"I've been approached about providing classes for those in special needs, so I'm currently working on that," Patton said.
Patton provides individual sessions and group sessions of 24 participants and does workshops for business and groups. The price depends on what the person can afford, but typically runs between $75 and $150.
All of the work with the horses is done on the ground. Individual sessions run for around an hour-and-a-half and workshops for three hours.
So why use a horse? Simple. A horse is an animal that "in order to survive, it must have intuition," Patton said.
The horses will read a person's energy and release it without any judgment, Patton said.
Horses see what the reality is and use brainwaves and psychology to help people during the sessions.
"It's like breaking a bad habit - the horse can sense the experiences and instantly help change how a person reacts in the future," she said. "This experience will make them more positive."
Patton described the outcome as "giving (someone) an anchor that pulls you back to the experience with the horse," which makes the effects permanent.
"The horse will help expose whatever belief system you don't want to (follow) and help guide you in the right direction," Patton said. "The horse mirrors what is no longer serving you."
From The Ground On Up is hosting its Family Fun Festival on Jan. 31 at Cleary University in Genoa Township. The event is free, and everyone is invited to attend and learn more about equine guided learning and what it can provide.
Published: Tue, Dec 09, 2014
