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Spirithorse riding center

A unique inclusive riding program for everyone
"Empowering lives through horses"

Recent studies conducted by the Institute of Heart - Math provide a clue to explain the two - way "healing that occurs when we're close to horses. According to researchers, the heart has electromagnetic field larger than the brain: a magnetometer can measure the energy field larger than the brain: a magnetometer can measure the energy field of the heart that radiates from 2.4 meters to 3 meters around the human body. While this is certainly significant, perhaps more impressive than the electromagnetic field projected by the heart of a horse is five times larger than that of a human being (imagine an electromagnetic sphere around the horse) and it can influence straight into our own heart rate. Horses are also likely to have what science has identified as a "coherent" heart rate (heart rate pattern) that explains why we can feel better when were close to them. Studies have found a coherent heart pattern or HRV to be a solid measure of well-being and consistent with emotional states of calm and joy- that is, we exhibit such patters when we feel positive emotions. A coherent heart pattern is indicative of a system that can recover and adapt to stressful situations very efficiently. Many times, we just need to be in the presence of horses to feel a sense of well-being and peace. In fact, research shows that people experience many physiological benefits by interacting with horses, including lower blood pressure and heart rate, higher beta- endorphins (neurotransmitters acting as pain suppressors), decreased stress levels, decreased feelings of anger, hostility, tension and anxiety, better social working and greater feelings of empowerment, confidence, patience and self -efficacy.

about spirithorse

SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center of the San Francisco Bay Area is a 501(c)3 non-profit and was founded in January of 2012 by Charlotte Dougherty. This program is an all- inclusive riding program open to riders of all abilities. Our lessons, camps, and classes are designed to improve the lives of children and adults who are facing developmental, emotional, social, and physical challenges.

We are proud to be a licensed SpiritHorse International Center that strives to provide opportunities that help our community members build self-confidence and feel empowered! We operate our facility, located in American Canyon. Mostly run by volunteers; SpiritHorse is a safe place where everybody belongs. Our horses are the most valuable members of our team.

one non-profit

AMERICAN CANYON
We have been located in American Canyon, at the corner of Eucalyptus Drive and Wetlands Edge Road since 2015. What was once a barren field is now home to up to 10 horses and our petting farm animals (Ms. Donkey, Trevor the goat, and Gypsy our sheep.