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Horses for Mental Health (HMH) Campaign (https://seenthroughhorses.raisely.com/t/youth-edification-equine-human-association-and-alliance-yeehaaa). 

Children who are confronted by a bully or bullies are on the rise and a growing crisis that can move a child towards self-harm, and even take one’s own life. Here is a small clip called, “Be Someone’s Hero” from the CDC https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/bullyingresearch/fastfact.html. 

The U.S. Day News, reporter Ernie Mundell reports on March 29, 2024, “…Over 47,000 Americans between the ages 10 and 19 lost their lives to suicide, the report found, and there have been sharp increases year by year since COVID-19”. The more we, as a society, talk about bullying and suicide, the more our youth learn it is okay to talk about their feelings, especially if they or someone they know is thinking about harming themselves or others. Here is a clip from students who express their personal experience that strengthens one’s self-awareness in the YEEHAAA program https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61nApy4EbCI. 

YEEHAAA has developed a bullycide intervention/prevention program for junior and high school settings which ties in with Utah’s Standard Core Curriculum. The curriculum is intertwined in a classroom setting, or non-core standard setting like Study Group, Fine Arts, etc. YEEHAAA also works with counselors, staff and other professionals in various private/state facility programs. 

YEEHAAA’s experiential learning brings team building skills, empowerment, personal creativity where youth combine metaphors that happen in the arena with life experiences into a portfolio to share and earn graduation credit. YEEHAAA is an advocate organization that believes in building a safer and better community that protects Diversity, Love, Respect, Value, and Dignity for all. We need your help to give OUR youth a more positive life experience.

Why horses?

One of the biggest focuses of YEEHAAA is our focus on respect, diversity, love, value, and dignity of each person. Horses, like humans, are uniquely beautiful in their own way and each horses has their story. The use of horses in our program teach participants that each persons story is unique to themselves and help shape their worldview around them. 

Using horses in experiential learning can offer a unique and powerful therapeutic experience. Horses are highly attuned to human emotions and can serve as non-judgmental and intuitive partners in the therapeutic process. Their ability to sense and respond to subtle cues from participants can facilitate deeper self-awareness and connection within the group. Interacting with horses encourages individuals to be present in the moment, fostering mindfulness and emotional regulation. Additionally, the dynamic nature of the horse-human interaction requires effective communication and collaboration among group members, promoting teamwork and mutual support. Working with horses in a therapeutic setting can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may find traditional talk therapy challenging or prefer experiential approaches. Overall, incorporating horses into group therapy can enhance communication, build trust, and provide a unique and enriching environment for personal growth and healing.

Mental Health and Horses

Horses and humans have been working together as partners for thousands of years across the world and styles of work. While our partnership has been around for a long time, mental health and horses started in the 1960’s for physical health challenges and disabilities. This success led to advancements in therapy and moved into the mental health world. In the 1990’s, organizations such as EAGALA and PATH began training psychotherapists and other professionals to use horses in the mental health world. 

This journey is continuing to show promise, results, and beautiful growth for clients and professionals. There is a growing data base and research showing the benefits of partnering with horses, mental health professionals, and the client. 

Research has provided evidence supporting various benefits of equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy or horse therapy. Some key findings include:

  • emotional regulation
  • improved social skills
  • enhanced self esteem and confidence
  • reduced stress levels
  • therapeutic alliance
  • mindfulness
  • emotional well being and self esteem. 

While the field of equine therapy continues to evolve, these research-backed benefits highlight its potential as a valuable and effective therapeutic approach for a wide range of mental health and behavioral challenges.

What does our program look like?

Our research backed program is an experiential learning experience both in the classroom and at the barn. We work together with the teachers, counselors, students, and other professionals to create an inclusive and welcoming environment. Over six in classroom sessions students work on concepts such as Beginner’s Mind, the 9 senses, building strengths and empowerment, self confidence and esteem, while building a portfolio to show our work meets the UTAH CORE CURRICULUM standards. The students then take field trips to the barn to implement the skills learned in the classroom and experience them in the real world. Our program has shown improved self esteem, peer to peer relationship, and increased awareness of suicidal thoughts and how to help someone they know and get the resources to help.

How does YEEHAAA create change?

Our program works with teachers, counselors, and other community members to increase awareness and connection between students and peers. Our evidence based research has shown: 

-8% increase in awareness to bullying problems after implementation 

-7% increase in students taking action to stop bullying problems

-increase in self compassion and awareness

-ability to relate to others and connect with peers and other community members. 

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YEEHAAA is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that aims to reduce rates of bullying and suicide in youth as well as improve overall confidence, self esteem, and connection to the world around us.

At YEEHAAA, we deeply value diversity, love, respect, equity, value, and dignity.

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Email: chyeehaaa.org@gmail.com

We would love to work with you!

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