In the outback of Spain, on a beautiful horse ranch, troubled boys and girls between 12 and 18 are treated with a particular kind of therapy called CPT, contextual horse therapy, initiated by Hesther Selbeck. In this therapy space, nature, animals—mainly horses—and the informal setting are the main pillars for progress for the young clients and their parents.
Hesther Selbeck, 35, invented this specific therapy method, which combines systematic therapy and horse therapy (the EAGALA method), both proven to have positive effects after treatment. This young Dutch woman came up with the idea after a horse trail trip in Mongolia. Back in 2013, she acted on a hunch and left for two months, riding a horse through the rough terrains and secluded mountains of Mongolia on her own—only accompanied by a guide and two horses.
Breaking free from an unhealthy relationship and carrying a rucksack with the undigested emotions of a difficult childhood, she felt something profoundly changed in her. The deep relation with the horse—an animal that is known for its sensitive character—brought her in touch with herself. Horses have an ability to be a mirror of your behavior and feelings. Hesther also experienced the effect of space, silence, and nature on her inner world. The context and surroundings healed her as she built massive confidence during that ride.