The Ligue contre le cancer des Alpes-Maritimes put a group of women who have faced cancer in touch with an “equitherapist” and everyone ended up in an equestrian club. All the ingredients are then united to create a virtuous alchemy. These women, broken down by disease, are gradually rebuilding themselves. The Coeur de course club in Cagnes-sur-Mer is an ideal place. He takes care of providing care to culled horses for physical problems or obstacle refusals. But it must be underlined immediately, equitherapy is not riding a horse, it is taking care of the horse.
– Alexandre Mottot
Another principle of the discipline, according to Laetizia Parbot of the Ôtrement association, is to adapt. She thus prepared this visit with the horses but also with the “trainees”. Because “one way to communicate with horses is to know their behavior“. These former patients like horses are traumatized by life and the idea is to create a relationship of trust with the animal. Those who are afraid of the presence of equines are quickly put at ease. “They are thus reassured and gain confidenceThis element is fundamental because it is a key element of resilience, especially when cancer has burst into life.
“Magical moments“
Yet accustomed to horses and the equestrian world Patricia Defrize of the League against cancer 06 tells us that she felt strong emotions, and a few tears flowed. Concretely, the group spent a moment with the horses, pampering them while familiarizing themselves with them. Astrid, for example, is a history teacher and she naturally fell in love with a gray horse named Carolingien. Pauline, very impressed at the start, managed to gain confidence. “Magical moments“confirms Astrid. According to Laetizia the equitherapist, a person who is panicking, horses feel it, just like a person who gives off an impression of serenity. the therapy is twofold, for humans and for horseslearning is too.
– Alexandre Mottot
Ludivine Crépo from the association ‘Coeur de course’ the therapeutic gain is certain, humans care for horses and vice versa. In addition, this approach requires to invest in taking care of the animal, with virtuous benefits in terms of physical movements and mental well-being. Laetitia Record clinical psychologist in Mandelieu insists on the commitment required for equitherapy. By accepting this commitment “this allows you to get 100% into therapy“This commitment is also valid for all patients and not only in the face of cancer, she recalls.
– Alexandre Mottot
In a box, Laetizia the therapist guides Odile. This trainee follows a mediation by hugging a horse. She comes out with serene and contagious joy. After this 1st equitherapy approach, several trainees did not hide their desire to continue the experience. This morning of discovery was accompanied by meetings and speeches in order to verbalize feedback and share it with the group. Equitherapy adapts to the audience with the common point of appeasement, self-knowledge and resilience, relying on difficulties to rebuild, and overcome a traumatic episode.
– Alexandre Mottot
Pink October continues with demonstrations in the Alpes Maritimes. It is also the occasion to carry out screenings . The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of recovery.