connect 2019 • 19 Who would think that an animal weighing over 1,000 pounds, at times both elegant and intimidating, could help people move beyond trauma, find safe space and foster healthy relationships? This is exactly what is happening at Equine Enrichment in the rural countryside just outside Derry/Londonderry in Northern Ireland. THE WORK OF EQUINE ENRICHMENT IS UNIQUE. It is the only organization in Northern Ireland offering EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association). Studies have shown that equine- assisted therapy lowers blood pressure, alleviates stress, and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. It has also been shown to help people struggling with addiction and mental health issues. With support from The Ireland Funds, Equine Enrichment has as- sisted groups of young people between ages 11-18. Over the course of 10 weeks, two groups of young people experiencing behavioral and/or emotional issues came to the stables to work on a range of topics from relationships to communication to leadership and resiliency. Working with a mental health specialist and an equine specialist, many of these children have experienced significant improvement in their behaviors and outlooks. “We’re working with children with very high levels of deprivation,” explains Louise Moorhead, a trainer and administrator with Equine Enrichment. “These are children who have come from intergen- erational trauma. For many, the trauma of the Troubles has been transferred on to them. This program is also about providing them with an alternative to hanging about the streets and being exposed to drugs and alcohol. We find 11 year olds who can chat to you quite openly about heroin and name every drug on the street. We are passionate that our generation has been affected but not defined by the Troubles. Our generation has been given a fresh start and Equine Enrichment is a fresh approach to creating change and moving forward.” The program is surprising to some people as it does not involve horseback riding. Participants interact with the horses on the ground. Caring for them, feeding them, grooming and leading them, even doing breathing exercises with them. “A lot of people say, ‘why don’t you go horseback riding?’” says Louise. “Horses pick up our facial communication, our body language and energy, even our heartbeat. Photos: Aengus McMahon