What is equine therapy?

Equine therapy uses horses to aid people in physical, occupational, or psychological rehabilitation. Equine therapy is also called
hippotherapy
, derived from the word hippo, which is Greek for horse.

People with physical disabilities, including cerebral palsy and paralysis, benefit not only from the movements of the horse as they ride but also from interactions with the animal. The emotional and social relationships between animal and human provide therapeutic benefits to people with mental health and cognitive disorders as well. Equine therapy can be especially beneficial to children and others who resist other forms of therapy. Before participating in equine therapy, a therapist should consider an individual's needs and develop a plan based on these needs. The main goal of equine therapy is to get a person to transfer improved abilities to home, school, or work life.

Overview

Horses are well suited for therapy because they are equipped with vomeronasal organs, which are related to the sense of smell. A horse can sense changes in a human's emotional state even when others cannot. A restless or anxious person will see a horse react, which provides immediate feedback to a person. As the person calms down, the horse adjusts its response. This interaction not only helps people become more aware of their own emotions but also teaches awareness of others' body language and nonverbal communications.

Horses—particularly miniatures—are sometimes used in pet therapy programs to help calm people or to encourage communication. However, equine therapy involves specific exercises used in physical therapy and occupational therapy treatment. It also offers direct and indirect lessons in improving communication, trust, and confidence for those with physical or mental health issues. In many cases, therapists integrate equine-facilitated learning (EFL) into other types of treatments.

Unlike working with therapy or assistance animals, equine therapy requires close supervision by professionals, volunteers, or others; indoor and outdoor facilities; and consistent care for the horses. Organizations such as the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH International) and the American Hippotherapy Association exist to certify trainers, organize volunteers, and promote horse therapy programs.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy regimens can be difficult, painful, and hard to maintain, especially for children. Exercise is important to individuals who have low levels of strength, coordination, or balance due to disease, injury, or chronic conditions. Riding horses provides exercise and other benefits in a setting that encourages participation and affords a variety of positive experiences. Children and adults with Down syndrome, for example, receive several benefits from equine therapy, including opportunities to strengthen muscles, improve balance, increase social skills, and enjoy new experiences. Because the sessions are closely supervised, few risks exist.

People with cerebral palsy benefit from physical therapy on horseback. The movement of the walking horse helps stretch muscles and prevent contracture, or permanent shortening of muscles. Working with trained therapists, people can experience freedom from difficult mobility or wheelchairs, enjoy fresh air and exercise, and have fun spending time and bonding with horses. Hippotherapy also can aid with speech development because people must give directions to horses, which helps them practice enunciation and confidence in speaking. Therapists also have found that equine therapy has many benefits for blind people. It helps them to develop proper posture and balance, strengthen muscles, increase self-esteem, and more.

Occupational Therapy

People who participate in equine therapy often work with both physical and occupational therapists to strengthen their bodies and learn to apply their improved function toward everyday tasks and activities. Riding a horse causes the body to tilt and rotate in ways that exercise core muscles. Improved breathing also helps people to speak better.

The movement of a horse, whose walking gait is similar to that of humans, puts occupational therapy clients into a secure posture. In addition, horseback riding provides a wide range of sensory experiences, including light, unusual smells, and even feelings of independence.

Psychological Therapy

Equine therapy can be effective for people suffering from anxiety, depression, conduct disorders, dissociative disorders, autism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, and dementia. People who are initially afraid of horses or have general trust issues gradually learn not only to work with the animals but also develop a relationship with them. Many therapists involve their clients in feeding, grooming, and saddling the animals to increase attachment to the horses. Because horses are sensitive to the moods and fragility of humans, they respond appropriately, allowing riders to relax and trust them. Since shouting and aggression may frighten a horse, people must learn to read the animal's body language and relate to them in an assertive way without yelling.

An example of an equine therapy exercise involves asking a person to move a horse—without touching it—to another area. The person soon learns that shouting, whistling, and clapping will not make the horse move. This teaches the person that using these methods are not always the best ways to get something (or someone) to do something. Equine therapists report improvements in many areas, including impulse control, social skills, self-concept, confidence, and more.

Additionally, equine therapy has been shown to be helpful in working with autistic children. Although autistic children might show resistance at first by crying, throwing a tantrum, or lying on the ground, once they are on the horse, the animal's soothing gait usually helps to reduce these behaviors. Often by the second experience, children no longer shows resistance. They can learn to direct the horse and develop a relationship with the animal. The experience helps promote self-awareness, confidence, and interaction with others. In time, equine therapy may even help some autistic children to develop or increase attachments to family members and teachers.

Bibliography

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