n the past decade, physicians and therapists have discovered what horse
enthusiasts have known for centuries: there
’s more to a horse than meets the eye.
Janice Terra, a Houston native, known as the only Lady Horse Whisperer in the
United States, has seen the positive impact horses have on people and what she
calls miracles that take place on a regular basis as she works with stroke
patients, autistic and ADD children, those with mental challenges, severe
asthma and bronchitis patients, and those struggling emotionally.
The Healing Power of Horses
One of Terra’s clients was a 10-year-old, who had severe asthma and bronchitis flare ups last
fall and was in the emergency room seven times in a few weeks. After she began
working with Terra and taking riding lessons, she grew stronger, relaxed and
was able to breathe better.
“I could tell you about so many who have come here and are now doing so much
better,
” says Terra. “We have had cancer patients, stroke victims and many others with diseases and
ailments as well as those who have suffered a great loss. They all came to take
riding lessons and discovered a healing they did not know was possible, the
healing of the body, mind, soul and heart.
”
According to Terra, horses work on all levels, mental, emotional, spiritual and
physical, right down to the cellular level.
“The movement your body experiences riding a horse replicates the movement of a
human walking. The rider
’s body moves without conscious participation. This movement without thought
enables many victims of stroke, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis to
gain a pathway coming from the body to the brain instead of vice versa. This
has proven so effective that most communities have riding programs now for the
handicapped.
Often, if a person suffers a trauma resulting in paralysis or semi-paralysis, a
physical therapist may move the affected limb for the patient in an effort to
remind the muscles of their function. While riding a horse at a walk, every
part of your body is moved in a soft, rhythmic manner, without conscious
intention. Every muscle, organ and cell in your body receives a gentle,
therapeutic massage.
“The horse’s movement is a slight side-to-side motion, the same motion experienced in the
womb. Nothing could be more natural to your soul. As our soul remembers this
sensation, it automatically returns to a state of harmony,
” Terra says.
It is the same wonder with babies who are soothed by the movement of the rocking
chair, the movement heals. Thousands have been aided in the recoveries by this
Hippo therapy. Hippo means horse in Greek.
Training Challenging Horses
When it comes to working with challenging horses or wild mustangs, Terra has
found a way to communicate with them
—using their own language.
“I have had people call me moments before they were going to take a
hard-to-handle horse to the slaughter house,
” says Tara. “After working with the horse for about an hour, the problems were gone and the
horse remained in the family. I teach owners how to work with horses and how to
communicate with them, which makes a big difference in how the horse responds.
”
Learning about body language, communication skills and focusing on the horse’s body language helps many people successfully apply these same lessons to their
relationships and personal growth.
“It is all about communication; knowing horses, they communicate. Anyone can
learn. For example, scent is important, so those working with horses should not
wear cologne or perfume. It is also important to draw near to the horse and
blow gently toward their nose so they can determine who you are. It is as
simple as learning a few skills like this that makes all the difference,” according to Terra.
Terra does not use ropes, restraints, aggression or tools. The horse is usually
loose in a pen and she uses her body to speak to the horses.
“It is about learning to work off the horse’s body language, positioning your body, how you hold your hands, what you think
and how you whisper,
” Terra says.
Terra works with clients all over the U.S. and around the world. She also works
with mounted patrols in Albuquerque and Houston.
Terra has worked in the equine industry for more than 27 years and teaches
English and Western, jumping and up through second level dressage. She has
trained regional champions over fences and national champions in Western and
English Pleasure. In addition to the typical classes, she also teaches atypical
classes in exercise on horseback, Zen riding, therapeutic riding for both horse
and rider and so much more. She is also currently writing a book, The Language
and Psychology of the Horse.
For more information on the Lady Horse Whisperer, visit www.theladyhorsewhisperer.com, e-mail janiceterra@comcast.com or call 281-705-8188. Terra notes she is usually with the horses, training or
teaching during the day, so leave a message and she
’ll return calls after dark.
