The Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women is starting a pilot project this September using animal-assisted therapy to help domestic violence survivors regain confidence and leadership skills.

But the animal of choice isn’t a dog or cat. It’s a horse and there are good reasons for picking such a large, intimidating animal for a program like this.

“Horses can’t talk so they use their teeth, feet and bodies to bite, kick and push each other to communicate what they want,” said Shannon Bruce, program and curriculum director for the pilot project at SVABW. “A lot of people are afraid of horses but horses respond instinctively to someone with confidence and leadership. They are natural followers that want a strong leader. So if you develop your confidence with them and earn their respect and trust, you can teach them to not bite, kick, or push into your space. They are ideal for this program because the women are learning how to regain confidence, be assertive and protect their personal boundaries.”

The Horses Helping Humans project will allow participants from SVABW to attend 16 hours of therapy. A licensed psychologist and equine specialist will lead the sessions and the women will participate in ground play sessions with their assigned horse and trained handlers.

“We know it’s important these women develop their social skills, as well as their confidence and leaderships skills so they can make the changes needed in order for them, and their children, to thrive in our communities.”

SVABW is hosting a fundraiser for Horses Helping Humans from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the University of Minnesota’s new Leatherdale Equine Center, 1801 Dudley Ave., St. Paul.

The show will feature Parelli Natural Horsemanship professional Nita Jo Rush and top Minnesota students demonstrating the amazing things they can do with their equine partners. Human/horse communication demonstrations, riding and playing with horses at liberty are all part of the event.

All proceeds from the event benefit SVABW and the Horses Helping Humans pilot project. Tickets are $10, children 12 and under are free.

For more information on the program, contact Bruce at 763-479-9970 or visit http://www.southernvalleyalliance.org/hhh.

- Kristin Holtz