How equine assisted learning has helped Terri

Terri Clements, 36, was diagnosed with stage four endometriosis and five disorders in the space of 12 months. She says equine assisted learning has helped her.

Terri Clements (left) has experienced many benefits from equine assisted learning. She is pictured with You Yangs Equine owner Fiona Bennett. Picture: Brad Fleet

Terri Clements believes horses are “amazing creatures” and says she has experienced many benefits from attending equine assisted learning sessions in Lara.

Last year, Ms Clements, 36 was diagnosed with stage four endometriosis.

She said her surgeon said it was one of the worst cases he had ever seen.

In the space of just 12 months, Ms Clements was also diagnosed with another uterine disease called adenomyosis, psoriatic arthritis, complex PTSD, ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.

When her occupational therapist recommended she try equine assisted learning, Ms Clements started attending weekly sessions at You Yangs Equine in Lara.

Michaela Barns (left) and Fiona Bennett (right) from You Yang Equine with Terri Clements (centre). Picture: Brad Fleet

Fiona Bennett, owner and founder of the centre, said equine assisted learning offered an alternative to room-based counselling.

“Equine assisted learning helps people raise awareness of themselves, and also themselves within relationships with others,” she said.

“When humans are with horses, they help us to become present and aware.”

Ms Bennett said sessions were tailored to the individual, but started with a check-in and structured mindfulness exercises and a guided activity that represented a challenge the participant was facing.

Ms Clements said the sessions had improved her communication skills, overall concentration levels and her ability to regulate her emotions, thoughts and feelings.

She said there were so many benefits from being with horses.

“They’re amazing creatures and they really do know how to tune into people and reflect back many messages” she said.

“We’ve just got to listen to what they say and learn how to read and interpret what it is that they’re trying to tell us.”

Ms Bennett, 55, was born and bred in Lara and previously worked as an inclusion and diversity co-ordinator at Leisure Networks in Geelong. She started You Yangs Equine in February this year.

“I’ve always owned horses and been around them, and have always known that they had such a positive effect on my emotional and social wellbeing when I had been with them,” she said.

Ms Bennett, who is studying a diploma of counselling to further her skills, said anyone could benefit from equine assisted learning.

“I particularly love helping women through any issues or roadblocks that they may face” she said.

About 60 per cent of her participants, including Ms Clements, are funded through the NDIS.

Originally published as How equine assisted learning has helped Terri