The Power of the horse

Leaving the City of Bergen and heading to Solbaken gard (farm) in a narrow valley despite the inclement weather it was still strikingly beautiful.  Tobba (Professor in public health and a physiotherapist-The College of Western Norway) was guide and had arranged a visit.

On arrival at the farm we were greeted by a range of animals that rushed up to us expecting food or a friendly pat, including a couple of dogs, feathery legged hens and some pigs.


The welcome instantly made you feel at ease and we then went into a large barn to meet the horses. A various selection of all sizes and breeds (17) awaited with tasks assigned to the guests who visit the farm including feeding, grooming and cleaning the animals on a daily basis.


A number of groups use the farm including people who have experienced abuse, mental health challenges and those with disabilities. The group today had a range of backgrounds and after a quick lunch together  started to get involved with activities on the farm. Quite a few of the guests could not wait to get in with the horses and engage with the animals while others appeared more nervous.

It is interesting to see how people interact with different animals and as Mari-Ann (farmer and occupational therapist) stated the animals make the choice of whether to come or go. The guests on the farm appeared to enjoy the sense of community that was involved including a shared lunch and I am sure the experiences of the day would be discussed at a later date and in other contexts and of course on future days...Who had the best horse, which was their favorite animal etc, etc

The horse has played such an important part in human evolution although arguably not to the same extent as the dog. I wonder if we need these companions in our lives who have helped us develop language, keep us safe and tame the natural environment? In our industrialized and mechanized society does a place exist for the horse?

Debbie the Pig

The research shows people who interact with animals have lower heart rate and a greater sense of well-being but they do not always fit well into our busy lives and require time and financial commitment to be kept fed, watered, housed and exercised. Could a virtual horse be just as beneficial?



Based on the experience I have witnessed the horse has an important  role to play in therapy but also in human life in general. We should not forget that we did not get to our current level of development on our own, animals have been with us every step of the way.

It is only in our more recent history that they have become less important due to technology and our constant desire for progress. But they are still available and waiting when we need them, providing a connection to a past life and a link to the natural world.

We may think animals are indispensable or  to be exploited for the resources they give us but (I think) they are much more important to us than that. They are an evolutionary partner and a companion as we all search for meaning and connection in an increasingly disconnected world.



Horses in therapy

Tobba Interview