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LEIPZIG — Prairie Sky Recovery Centre located in the former Notre Dame Convent at Leipzig, offers a wide variety of programs and counselling for those who are dealing with addictions, including equine therapy.

“We look for opportunities for clients to learn in a variety of ways – visually, auditorily and kinetically – and in this situation, being with the animals allows the clients to have an experience where all three learning styles are utilized,” says Jacqueline Hoffman, CEO of the centre.

Hoffman said she wanted to introduce clients to a different, but effective therapy many don’t know about. Interacting with animals can be beneficial, she says. They can be calming in ways we don’t experience with other human beings, she explains.

Hoffman said they knew of other places who used this type of therapy. “We are fortunate in Saskatchewan, where equine therapy and addictions are combined. Equilibrium Therapeutic Riding north of Saskatoon is one facility.”

Finding a place closer to home was not difficult, as Hoffman was introduced to Allison Thomas through Allison’s father.

“He suggested I contact her, as the farm was located outside of Biggar. It was a perfect fit as the horses Thomas raises are Friesens (which) are known for their calm demeanour. They are often used on movie sets and in therapeutic environments because of their easy nature.”

Exposing clients to the therapy involves a 45-minute drive, making it a pleasant outing.

Hoffman says therapy results have been positive. Often clients who come for treatment have feelings of anger and resentment, she says, feeling they are forced to attend the sessions. As they near the horses, those feelings drop, even momentarily. The clients interact in a genuine way that allows them to open up and talk. Some just need to hug and talk to the horses and that allows them to talk later about their lives to counsellors and help them on the road to recovery, Hoffman explains.

At present Hoffman said equine therapy is available when the seasons allow it. The centre has looked at establishing it year-round. The use of a heated barn is being investigated.

The centre has used other animals, such as dogs. for therapy.

“Not all people are dog people, and some are afraid of them,” she notes.

“Presently the only animal we have is a beautiful cat named Prairie, who loves to curl up on the clients' laps and receive belly rubs.”

The  centre also has used raised garden beds to help with therapy and are hoping to expand this spring. As any gardener knows, there is nothing more therapeutic that working in the soil and watching plants grow.

Prairie Sky Recovery Centre was the only centre to remain open throughout the pandemic to help people dealing with additions.

Hoffman has presented proposals to the government the past five years in hopes of receiving government funding.

This spring is going to be a special time for the centre, as there will be a new 3,000-square-foot home to house female clients, with specialized female counselling, life skills and family reunification programs. Once the house is open, and with the present 20,000-square-foot facility, they will be able to serve 35 clients at a time.