MOUNT HOREB, Wis. (WMTV) – The Mount Horeb community is trying to improve mental health at their fall wellness festival with therapy horses.
Four months ago, the community experienced a tragedy when a student came to school armed with an air rifle and was fatally shot by police.
Organizations like Cedar Center are trying to make mental health resources more readily available for children, parents and anyone needing help. Equine therapy was one of the methods featured at the 2nd Annual Mental Health and Wellness Fall Festival at Tyrol Basin. Organizers put on a demonstration that showed how a therapy session would work, including backward horse back riding.
”The therapy horses will be available to just give attendees the felt sense of peace and calm that can happen when you engage with these magnificent animals,” Cedar Center President Elizabeth Seeliger said. ”Mental health struggles are often kept in secret, especially with children, and I think witnessing the emotion that’s brought up is a really healing thing because it reminds us that we’re not alone.”
Mount Horeb community tries to heal with help from therapy horses (Marcus Aarsvold)
She said laying down on a horse can calm a person’s nervous system.
”Events like this can really help people connect and find resources in the community,” attendee Renee said. “I think it’s very important that we focus on mental wellness post-pandemic with many more people struggling with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.”
In addition to recovering from the pandemic, Seeliger said the small town still needs to heal from the school threat.
”Whatever is still living inside of us from that event is actually shared amongst other people in the community and that’s so important,” she said. I’m going to get teary, this event is planned by all volunteers. There is no big organization or agency behind this. This is just residents of Mt. Horeb who believe in the power of mental health and well being. Seeing the participants feel the joy brings tears to my eyes.”
Mount Horeb community tries to heal with help from therapy horses (Marcus Aarsvold)
The first year the event was held at a smaller stable, but due to capacity and fitting in more than 50 organizations, Seeliger said Tyrol Basin was willing to host it and will host it again next year.
The next festival will be on September 27, 2025 and mental health resources can be found here.
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Mount Horeb community tries to heal with help from therapy horses
