Cayce’s Community Risk Reduction Manager, Lindsay McDade, with the Cayce Fire Department, launched a study the first week of March in partnership with The Courage Center and Hoof Beat Ranch.

The study will provide data on the Therapeutic Equine Activities (TEA) program focused on supporting individuals in recovery while improving overall mental wellness. Technical assistance was provided from the South Carolina Center of Excellence and Addiction, as well as Clemson University. The TEA program is funded by South Carolina Opioid Recovery Funds (SCORF).

History

Through the Muffin Cares program, Animal Assisted Interventions with Muffin the Therapy Horse has become a huge success. Muffin helped start the conversation on why overdose is the number cause of accidental death in Lexington County. Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) touches people among all demographics; and the awareness campaign includes the dangers of fake pills, disposing of unwanted medications, and the impact of addiction.

Program Development:

Horses are prey animals, meaning they are on the constant lookout for danger. They live in the moment and are very perceptive of body language and nonverbal communication. They can play a key role in addressing the stigma of mental health. Muffin Cares expanded to the TEA program to provide support for individuals in recovery and teach mental health resiliency skills. Participants are educated through the horse and human partnership on mindfulness, emotional self-regulation, self-care, and problem solving to name a few aspects of the program. 

The program is currently being piloted at the Lexington location of The Courage Center.  The Courage Center has provided participants and logistical help in setting up the study. McDade, along with Courage Center Therapist, Kat Wilson, are working together to bring the study and equine sessions to fruition and facilitate the data collection of participants in