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TNP Wellness Director, Craig Price

Horses and improv
as an ice breaker. We play
are not only fun, but
improv games such as “dance
they make participants
diamond,” where whoever is
feel comfortable as a
at the head of the diamond
group and with oneself.
is in control and everyone
The experience allows
else has to copy. So, if the
participants to play,
horse is at the lead, everyone
share, and heal with the
imitates the horse.”
help of a professional
The participants also groom and talk with the calming, non-
therapist. TNP’s Craig
judgmental horses during the classes. Craig adds that, “Dianne
Price, says, “horses are
Durante and Lea Haven help the horses and humans connect.
incredibly intuitive and
Dianne comes in with tools to help everyone process their
understand where you are
emotions that they’re feeling - whether it’s something they’ve
emotionally. Horses can
come in with or something that the therapy brings out. Lea
even feel a heartbeat from
supports everyone so they know how to be safe with the horses.”
four feet away! I always
knew that improv made
me feel better and saw it
To learn more about the program and take part, please contact
help other people in the
David McKenzie at program@ntrc.org or 239.596.2988
community - I was blown
away by how effective and
calming these horses are.
We had one participant walk in with severe anxiety and the horse
immediately calmed her down.”
When horses interact with humans, they tend to synchronize to
our heartbeats which is why they can sense slight adjustments in
our moods. Craig says that, “the improv aspect of the classes acts
Life in Naples | January 2022 69