The Equestrian Experiment

A Pilot Program Merging Equine Artistry, Behavior and Community Therapy

REPLAY COMING SOON

Painting a Path to Connectedness

The Equestrian Experiment is a ground-breaking pilot program introducing Integrative Community Therapy through the use of equine-assisted cyber experiences.


Live patricipants engage with an on-site Dunrovin Wrangler who facilitates an unexpectedly intricate group bonding experience. The encounter creates an instant, virtual community bonded together by shared ownership, the imprinting of a memorable experience and connection with others in the virtual community through the use of equine body art.


Participants choose the horses' paint colors and designs as a group. then observe the herd's behavior as they negotiate sharing resources and a meal. Through the experiment, you will witness the herd hierarchy and gain insight into equestrian non-verbal cues, emotions, and dynamics, which constitute a research-based, powerful metaphor for human interactions.


Later, we reflect on conversations between group members as well as the equestrian interactions and prepare for meaningful conversations that activate community sharing as a catalyst for growth, comradery, and support.


This immersive experience fosters equality, inclusivity, and support as well as forging connections, igniting dialogue, and empowering holistic well-being in a virtual community.

Day 1 | 1.5 hours

Equine Expressions


Through a captivating horse painting demonstration, live participants were able to engage with the wrangler performing equine body artwork, and were a part of the process of choosing colors and designs as a group. Afterwards, the group came together for a unique opportunity in observing the herd's behavior, hierarchy and interactions. These observations provide valuable insights into the non-verbal cues, emotions, and dynamics of the equine world, serving as a powerful, research-based metaphor for human interactions. We recommend that you download the worksheet prior to viewing.

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Day 2 | 1.5 hours

Equine Insights


Hosted by Brigit Hassig of Visible Hands Collaborative and featuring Dr. Adalberto Barreto, Founder of ICT, accompanied by SuzAnne Miller of Dunrovin Ranch, Equine Insights discusses observations made during the previous day's equine experience. We explore the fascinating integration of animal and human behavior, uncovering insights on how we can heal individually and grow together as a community.







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Day 3 | 1.5 hours

Empowered Dialogue


Empowered Dialogue features a powerful conversation rooted in the method of Integrative Community Therapy, where the group reflects on the horses' interactions, provoking deep feelings within ourselves, and engaging in a meaningful conversation that fosters personal growth and healing through horizontal and circular community sharing. Through forging strong connections and igniting transformational dialogue, we empower individuals to embark on their journey toward holistic well-being through the use of transformative online group discussion. 


REPLAY COMING SOON

Experience The Equine Experiment

Each of the three aspects of the Equestrian Experiment paint a path of togetherness through the use of equine-assisted cyber experiences. For the most impactful experience, participation in all three days is encouraged, but not required.

DAY 1 | 1.5 HOURS

Equine Expressions

The Equestrian Experiment begins with an interactive, community-invoking, live demonstration of creating equestrian body art.


Equine body painting provides a unique experience in which live participants engage with the wrangler performing equine body artwork, and are also a part of the process of choosing colors and designs as a group.


Afterward, you will revel in the extraordinary opportunity to observe the herd's behavior, hierarchy and interactions as they navigate the sharing of resources as a group.


These observations provide valuable insights into the non-verbal cues, emotions, and dynamics of the equine world, serving as a powerful, research-based metaphor for human interactions.


DAY 2 | 1.5 HOURS

Equine Insights

Equine Insights features a virtual interview hosted by Brigit Hassig of Visible Hands Collaborative featuring Dr. Adalberto Barreto, creator of Terapia Comunitária Integrativa, and accompanied by SuzAnne Miller of Dunrovin Ranch.


Based on insight gathered from Equine Expressions, Dr. Barreto, Miller and Hassig dive deeper into their observations of the horses and group participants. They explore the fascinating integration of animal and human behavior, uncovering and understanding how we can heal and grow together as a community, and find our individual joy in the process.

We encourage you to view this impactful interview with Brazilian Psychologist, Dr. Barreto, and Ranch Owner and Researcher, SuzAnne Miller.

DAY 3 | 1.5 HOURS

Empowered Dialogue

Empowered Dialogue displays a powerful conversation where participants reflect on the horses' interactions, and begin to recognize and understand how those interactions provoke deep feelings within ourselves. In addition, the group engages in a meaningful conversation that fosters personal growth and healing. 


Empowered Dialogue serves as an introduction to the power of Integrative Community Therapy (ICT), a model that creates a safe space to allow members of a community to share life experiences and wisdom, encouraging each participant to become their own therapist by listening to the life stories that are told, and sharing in the responsibility of seeking solutions to overcoming daily challenges in a warm, welcoming environment.


Through the use of transformative, online group discussion following the framework of ICT, our goal is to forge strong connections and ignite transformational dialogue. ICT is an accessible, effective method does not rely on referrals, doctors, insurance, or wait lists, and offers immediate, no-cost access to any person needing mental health support, empowering individuals to embark on their journey toward holistic well-being.

The horse and human connection

By examining the social dynamics of horses, a highly social prey species, we can derive valuable insights into human interactions, reactions, and emotions. It is for this reason that equestrian-based psychotherapy has been used worldwide. 


 Neglecting the innate connection we share with nature and animals risks setting ourselves and future generations up for failure, loneliness, and isolation.


About Dunrovin

Dunrovin Ranch, nestled between the breathtaking Bitterroot River and majestic mountain ranges in Montana, is a captivating slice of paradise. As a cherished home to both the Miller family and dedicated staff, Dunrovin Ranch is not just a place of business, but a heartfelt sanctuary to many different types of animals, including birds, horses, foxes, elk, beaver, moose, cougars, and more.


Dunrovin invites you to intimately acquaint yourself with their ensemble of horses, ponies, and dogs, each boasting their own distinctive personalities, strengths, and charms. Observe their interactions, work, and play, and learn to decipher their silent language.

As your dedicated boots on the ground and operators behind the curtain, Dunrovin Ranch Wranglers actively collaborate with their virtual front porch community, fostering community conversations and inviting you to revel in the joy of this remarkable online haven.

Questions?

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