Horse Industry Association of AlbertaHorse Industry Association of Alberta
Advocacy, education and research

OUR MISSION
To provide a unified voice for the Alberta horse industry and strengthen it through advocacy, education and research.

OUR VISION
A growing, profitable, united Alberta horse industry, recognized nationally and internationally.


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Van Harding

Van Harding has been a life long horseman, having started riding at 6 years old. He received his equine science and therapy training from various world-renowned veterinarians and equine therapists. His journey to the profession of equine therapy was unintentional, after suffering a stroke in 2002 when he was given a six-month prognosis to live. He left his profession as a special effects designer and chose to spend his remaining time in the company of horses and studying equine science. It was through the horses that he learned of the wide range of complimentary medicine and therapeutic modalities that ultimately restored his brain functioning. Within 3 years he overcame his memory loss, speech aphasia and stuttering, and loss of math and writing skills, and ultimately regained his health. Along the way, for the horses, he has diagnosed and successfully treated spinal cord injuries, severe behavioral problems and advanced the performance of nationally top contending competitors.

"Equine Science is the study of the horse as a species and is something that is very different from equestrian studies which focus upon ‘how to ride’. It includes anatomy, physiology, evolution, domestication, husbandry, nutrition, behavior modification, training, biomechanics, farrier science, gait analysis, dental science, equine veterinary technology, and saddle fit. These subjects combined allow us to understand the horse’s challenges of living and functioning in contemporary situations."

Today, Van's integrative therapy practice includes the above along with equine and human behavioral sciences. “It is imperative to include the human emotional landscape when addressing equine behavioral issues because the human emotional state is sensed by the horse, and is being responded to, before responding to the riding aids.” Through these methods, solutions present themselves, addressing many long-standing problems, be they of physical, mental or emotional origin.

Van knows first-hand what these therapies and medicines can do for people and horses and frequently speaks on the subject for public awareness.  He served as Chairman of the International Equine Body Worker Association, is a speaker at Equine Affaire and writes for equine publications. His recovery from a stroke through complimentary medicine and his passion for the advancement of healthcare now has him in medical school in pursuit of his doctorate of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine for people and horses.

“The love affair between horse and rider is unique among human-animal bonds for they both strive in intense training and conquering their fears. Fear arises when we fail to correctly understand or perceive our situation. Thus it is through peaceful interpretations of the world that gives rise to a peaceful mind that deepens the communication between horse and man.”


 

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