BLOG

January 29, 2021

If you are new to our page, you might be wondering… Who is Hope Reins Foundation? What do they do?

In short, Hope Reins Foundation is a mental health therapy program using the Eagala Model. Our clinical team consists of horses, mental health professionals and equine specialists. Our team of mental health professionals and equine specialists are Eagala certified. What is Eagala; the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association. It was founded in 1999 with the mission to set standards, provide support, and educate professionals who are changing lives through mental health services incorporating horses. Since that time, over 2,500 mental health professionals and equine specialists have been trained and certified, operating over 500 Eagala Model mental health programs in 40 countries. In 2018 alone, these programs served 60,458 clients, confronting challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder, abuse, depression, anxiety, trauma, and rapid attachment disorder and other behavioral health issues.

The Eagala Model focuses on a client-directed, experiential approach. Hands-on experiences with horses in an unrestrained environment allows for the client driven, goal focused approach. Clients discover their strengths, understand their solutions and apply new behaviors, creating longer-lasting results.

With over twenty years in the field, the Eagala Model is tested and subject to ongoing study and development, with a growing body of peer-reviewed evidence supporting its quality of practice, outcomes, and effectiveness. Program results include a much higher engagement rate where clients start and complete treatment more readily than in traditional office approaches.

If you have questions and would like more information, please contact our office at info@hopereinsfoundation.org

Eagala – A Global Standard in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Personal Development.

Pilson, Testigo and Tiger three of our equine partners.

January 30, 2021

In our part of the world, we are experiencing the colder months of the year.

It’s long been known that weather changes negatively affect mental health for many people, and as winter draws closer, the lower amount of sunlight during the day can make us feel tired, irritable, and even sad. This happens because the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin decreases, while the neurotransmitter melatonin associated with depression and sleepiness increases.

One way to combat the winter blues is to practice self-care. Below are just a few ideas that you can include in your self-care routine this winter:

Buy candles or essential oils with scents that relax you. Leave them in your bedroom, bathroom, or workspace.

Engage in mindfulness techniques: giving yourself a moment to breathe deeply and be mindful can reduce your stress levels and help you refocus.

Select a mug or cup that’s special or comforting to you. Fill it with soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, warm milk – and enjoy the moment!

Bundle up and go for a nature walk!

Keep a stock of beauty and health products, like sugar scrubs, bath salts, masks, and lotions, so they’re easy to use.

Ensure you have comfort foods or baking items on hand to cook for those moments of culinary self-care.

Keep coloring books, writing journals, and art supplies near, so creative self-expression can happen easily.

Don’t forget to use the simple art of moving, stretching, and walking to awaken and soothe your body during the winter months. Remember, exercise releases endorphins!

Get more sleep. Take advantage of the darkening days. See if you can make it to bed 30 minutes earlier.

Remember, self-care is about making time to take care of yourself. Carving out moments to nurture your mind, body, and soul will have far-reaching positive effects.