Meg Kirby

Horses, Love and Science breathes new life into the world of horsepersonship and horse training, offering readers a powerful and effective framework for living, learning and working with horses.Author, I-Thou Horseperson, Animal Assisted Psychotherapist, Educator and creator of I-Thou Horsepersonship, Meg Kirby, invites you on a journey through the Eight Commitments of this life changing practice, designed to take your understanding of and relationship with horses to an all new level. From I-Thou theory to Science, to Trauma-informed, Personal Development and Value- based perspectives, to Ethics and Enrichment, this comprehensive approach offers both thought-provoking insight into human behaviour and horse behaviour, as well as practical advice for those seeking a new way with horses.Practiced by hundreds of students worldwide, the I-Thou Horsepersonship framework is out to change not only the lives of horse people, but most importantly, the wellbeing of horses.Praise for Horses, Love & Science"Meg Kirby's I-Thou Horsepersonship and its Eight Commitments provide a wonderful superstructure for anyone seeking to understand and evolve their interactions with horses."- Nina Ekholm Fry, MSSC., CCTP, Director of Equine Programs, Institute for Human-Animal Connection, University of Denver"Horses, Love and Science captures the sensitivity of the relationship between horses and their riders or handlers. Meg Kirby brilliantly uses Buber's I-Thou philosophy to underpin the essence of working within the realm of horses' individuality that allows the reader to see horses as beings with intrinsic value, paving the way to a profound sense of relationship and personal growth. The Eight Commitments provide a solid roadmap to the art of horsepersonship that reveals the beautiful interspecies bond that can be formed. Whether you are new to or advanced in equine-assisted services or horsepersonship, this book will ignite your soul and guide you to a deeper understanding of the horse-human relationship." - Amy Johnson, Animal assisted services practitioner, researcher and educator, University of North Florida"Meg has poured her hunger, heart and soul in this book...a valuable resource for both the novice and experienced horse-rider who wish to deepen their understanding of the horse-human relationship by becoming a conscious, aware horse-person."- Marijke de Jong, Founder, The Straightness Training Academy

Equine Therapy Exposed Real life case studies of equine assisted psychotherapy and equine assisted learning with everyday people and horsesIn this book you will get a sneak peek and deep dive into the emerging professional practice of equine assisted therapy. This unique, beautifully presented and engaging book provides real life case studies with diverse clients, and delivers insight from one of Australia's leading education experts in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Animal Assisted Psychotherapy.Meg Kirby (BA, MASW, DIP. GESTALT THERAPY) is a Mental Health Social Worker of 25 years, and international education expert in equine assisted psychotherapy, author, founder, senior trainer, and supervisor at The Equine Psychotherapy Institute. When Meg is not training students from all across the globe in equine, animal, andnature assisted psychotherapy, she spends her time caring for 12 family herd members, three cats, dog "Bear," and rabbit, Darcy... not forgetting her loving husband and two beautiful daughters, Rose and Jasmine. Meg lives and breathes the wisdom of animals and nature.PRAISE FOR EQUINE THERAPY EXPOSED"Meg Kirby's Equine Therapy Exposed is an outstanding book...the case studies are rich and varied...this text is (also) a fantastic resource for integrating psychotherapy with a range of somatic and nature-based therapies, not just equine therapy."Melissa O'Shea, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Academic and Yoga Teacher, Master of Clinical Leadership (MCL), Deakin University "A dynamic and valuable book...filled with tremendous insights and practical suggestions...immensely helpful to professionals attempting to work alongside horses to support their clients' wellbeing."Aubrey H. Fine, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus, CA Poly State University, Licensed Psychologist, Editor of The Handbook on Animal Assisted Therapy"Meg Kirby takes a significant and meaningful step in the advancement of the professionalization of the fields of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine-Assisted Learning...the case studies splendidly help the reader understand both the depth and the processes that can be achieved in psychotherapy and in learning, withthe help of the integration of equines."Nancy Parish-Plass, MA Social Work and Certified in Advanced Psychotherapy Studies, Founding and Current Chairperson of IAAAP Israeli Association of Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy"This book beautifully illustrates the power and effectiveness of the EAP/EAL process."Joan Rieger, MA, LPC Director of the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies & Gestalt Equine Psychotherapist"Thorough elucidation of therapeutic processes when animals are involved remains relatively uncommon in the literature. Brava to Meg Kirby and contributors for creating this most helpful exploration of just that "Ris VanFleet, PhD, RPT_S, CDBC, CAEBC/ICoauthor with Tracie Faa-Thompson of the award-winning Animal Assisted Play Therapy Principal, International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy"If you are interested in how to work relationally with horses in a psychotherapy and learning context...the AWARE Therapy(TM) model provides a clear framework for practitioners...(and) showcases the adaptability of the approach to a wide range of client populations."Veronica Lac, Ph D Executive Director The HERD Institute(R), USA