Healing Magic of Equine-Assisted Activities Coming to Del Rio
Horses can help with various methods of psychological and physical therapies. Third-generation horseman Virginia Vargas has personally experienced mental and emotional benefits from her connection to horses, and she wants to share the “magic” with the community. Through demonstrations, supported riding lessons, and horse encounter experiences, Vargas now offers Equine-Assisted Activities (EAA) focused on healing, well-being, and community.
“Just being around them is magical; it’s very calming,” said Vargas. She explained the science behind the theory: “Researchers say horses can sense your heartbeat from 10 feet away. They will speed up their heartbeat to match yours, and then slowly slow it down.” Horses are highly sensitive and provide a non-verbal “biofeedback loop” which has been proven to help humans regulate their emotional state and promote relaxation.
Vargas wants “people to experience what most won’t be able to in a lifetime.” She said, although horse riding is commonplace for many Del Rioans, there are people in town who have yet to meet one face-to-face. Over the last 20 years, Vargas has rescued and rehabilitated several horses, and now she hopes the horses can help rehabilitate humans. She is not a formal “equine therapist” but is a licensed massage therapist of 11-years. Vargas said, “horses have a positive energy to them.”
Vargas shared a story about one of her past clients, and his struggle with mental health after going through a traumatic event. She said, since his first riding lesson, he hasn’t needed to take his anti-anxiety medication. The client wrote to Vargas after his lesson and said, “you have inspired me.”
All of her horses are trained in the “Charro” style of Mexican rodeo horses for the sport of "Charreria." Vargas said the Charro horse training style is “more in-depth” than traditional Western training. Her horses are capable of everything from barrel racing, pole jumping, and roping, to trail rides with children. Master Horse Trainer Artemio Cruz is a third-generation trainer and works with Vargas on all her horses. Cruz also worked with the largest ranch in Texas back in the early 2000s, King Ranch, who brought their horses to Del Rio for Cruz to train.
“Skyhorse Project LLC” and “Hold Your Horses Association” are two new business ventures launched by Vargas. One for-profit and one non-profit organization, through which her services may be provided. Vargas is hosting “Mares Night” at her homestead in August via Skyhorse Project and is participating in the Suicide Prevention Month activities at Laughlin Airforce Base this September via Hold Your Horses.
The events will include innovative offerings like “horse hugs.” The designated hugging horse, Nishka, is Vargas’ most beloved horse. When Nishka was just 2 years old, she helped Vargas through a tough bout of depression. 19 years later, Nishka and Vargas have developed an “incredible connection.” Vargas said, “she’s the reason I know it works… anytime I feel down, I come here and hold her and hug her.”
Mares Night will take place during the full moon, on Saturday August 9, starting at 7pm. Spots are filling up fast, advance registration is required. The invitation reads: “Ladies of Laughlin AFB and Del Rio - It's time to unite under the Texas stars! Whether you're soaring through the skies or roaming the Rio Grande Valley, we're all just wild mares looking for our herd!” Vargas simply is providing an opportunity to “come together and enjoy nature.” There will be EAA, wine, lite bites, and special connections.
Hold Your Horses Association activities for Laughlin’s Suicide Prevention Month will take place on September 18. Vargas is working with Laughlin to “take horses on base.” They will feature western riding demonstrations and offer people the opportunity to get up close and personal with horses, perhaps for the first time in their life.
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