In Montrose, horse therapy helps teenage girls say 'no'
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MONTROSE, Colo. — “GET OFF OF ME!” Jody Nixon shouted at a horse, firmly pushing it away. She was demonstrating to a group of teenage girls how to set personal boundaries with the animals.
In 2014, Nixon founded Metaphorse, a nonprofit therapy center for both horses and humans based in Montrose. Its motto: “We rescue horses who rescue people.”
Metaphorse rescues veteran horses no longer fit for carrying heavy loads or traveling at high speeds, saving them from slaughter. Twenty-nine horses live on Nixon’s ranch, nestled in the picturesque Spring Canyon, where the nonprofit helps teach children horseback riding, adaptive sports and equine-facilitated therapy.
“The horses know exactly what we need as humans. Whether you're grieving or you're angry, they know. And then that horse is sent to work with you,” Nixon said.
When Rocky Mountain PBS visited Metaphorse, Nixon was teaching five teenage girls how to set their own boundaries.
“The horses are forever in our space,” Nixon said. “If you can get that 1,200-pound animal out of your personal bubble, then you can stand up to that boyfriend, that girlfriend, that whoever is not respecting your boundaries. And the horses are so good at teaching girls to stand up for themselves.”
Video: Ziyi Xu, Rocky Mountain PBS
The training at Metaphorse comes at a time when Colorado students are opening up about their experiences with bullying and peer pressure. According to the most recent Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, nearly 1-in-5 students in Region 10, which includes Montrose County, reported being bullied at school.
Sixteen percent of female students in that same region reported that they had a sexual experience “where they were unsure if they gave their fully-granted consent to the other person.”
For male students, that number was 5%.
For male students, that number was 5%.
Sitting in a circle among the horses, the girls shared their experiences of times when someone crossed their boundaries.
Siena Magnani, 15, told the group that her summer volleyball camp coach gave her hugs and complimented her appearance, which made her feel uncomfortable.
“I was in a situation where I couldn’t set a proper boundary and I just had to endure it because he’s my volleyball coach for the next few days and the team depends on it almost,” Magnani said.
Others nodded in agreement, sharing stories of teachers and authority figures who crossed a line.
Nixon then led the girls to a corral with six horses. She handed out treats and asked the students to first lure the horses in, then push them away.
“Because you’re all teenage girls, there will be boys or girls in your life who will make advances toward you,” Nixon told the group. “You start with a kiss, and then your boundaries say, ‘That’s it, I don’t want to go any further.’ But the guy’s boundaries don’t.”
Feeding the horses was easy for the girls; pushing them away was harder.
Anna Krickbaum, 19, stood sideways as a horse reached for a treat. She gently pushed its neck, but the horse only shook its head.
“Saying the word ‘no’ for me is almost like disappointing someone. It’s like I’m letting somebody down,” Krickbaum said.
With the group watching, Nixon stepped in. “Are you going to say, ‘You’re my coach, so I can’t tell you what to do’?” she asked.
She demonstrated by knocking on the horse’s head with one hand and pushing its nose away with the other.
“Or are you going to say, ‘You’re a volleyball coach, and you should have better boundaries than this. I need you to get off me’?” she continued.
The horse turned and walked away.
Eva Davignon, 15, nodded and stepped forward. This time, with more determination, she stomped her foot and waved her arms. The horse turned and walked away.
The others followed, pushing the horses away with growing confidence. Krickbaum and Magnani even turned away a horse that had been eating hay.
“Not only did I learn about setting boundaries with boys or relationships, but also with friendships,” Magnani said. “Setting boundaries really helps with finding the friendships that are worth it.”
Seeing the girls’ progress, Nixon smiled with pride.
“When you get big and find that power, you won’t forget it.”
Type of story: News
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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