What Is Equine Therapy and Equine-Assisted Therapy?
Equine therapy and equine assisted therapy is a form of therapy that uses horses and other equines to treat physical and mental health conditions. It was developed in the 1960s, but is deeply rooted in antiquity. It is not the only treatment for equine assisted therapy. Hippotherapy and horseback riding are two other forms of therapy.
History of equine-assisted therapy
Understanding the history of equine assisted therapy is important. Its use is documented back to ancient Greece. Equine-assisted treatment was used to rehabilitate soldiers in the early 20th century. In the late 1800s, neurologists began using it as well.
Horses are renowned for their healing qualities. Horses have been a close friend to humans for centuries. They are ideal therapeutic animals because of their sensitivity, physical attributes, body language, and sensitivity. Nevertheless, not all horses are suitable for therapeutic riding. Some horses are more predictable that others.
Equine-assisted Therapy, also known as horse therapy, is a therapeutic process that emphasizes the interaction between human and animal partners. Typically, a licensed therapist works with a horse specialist. The horse is used as a catalyst by the therapist to guide patients through a range of experiences to address their physical and emotional needs.
Horses respond to their handlers’ behavior naturally. For this reason, they are ideal for equine-assisted therapy. As a result, they can provide immediate feedback. They can be used as a therapy tool to help people with difficulties in social interactions.
When used as a therapy tool, horses can act as a non-judgmental guide. They are especially helpful for individuals with developmental disorders. Moreover, they can help children with autism develop problem-solving skills.
In addition, horseback riding can benefit individuals by improving balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and coordination. This is because horse movement has an impact on the sensorimotor systems that are responsible for balance, posture, and coordination.
Therapeutic driving is another form of equine-assisted therapeutic treatment. This requires that a rider learns how to safely drive the horse carriage. After learning the basic mechanics, the horse driver can apply these new skills in a variety of settings.
It doesn’t matter what type equine-assisted therapy a person receives, they can often be treated for a variety psychological and physical ailments. Mental illness and depression are the most common.
The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 36% of institutions serving children with disabilities have a permanent animal presence. Therapeutic purposes have also been served by horses, dogs, cats, and dolphins.
Horseback riding/equine movement for physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Modern medicine has used horseback riding/equine movement to treat a variety of disorders. The client must control his head, neck and core muscles when therapeutic riding. The therapist controls the horse’s movement and directs it to meet the needs of each patient.
The ability to ride horses or equine has been shown to improve balance, coordination, muscle strength, as well as coordination. It can also be beneficial for your mental health. Research has shown that patients who engage in this activity have higher self-esteem, confidence, as well as better interpersonal relationships.
Speech, occupational, and physical therapists use horseback riding/equine movements to treat a variety functional impairments. The treatment options include sensory integration, fine motor control, fine motor control, balance, and sensory integration. These treatment strategies often complement standard intervention strategies.
Therapy sessions typically involve 15-25 minutes of equine movements. This allows the therapist time to measure the horse’s sensory stimulation and adjust the pace and velocity of balance challenges to challenge clients’ balance.
Occupational and physical therapists also utilize horseback riding/equine movement to enhance the social skills of clients. These activities could include signaling, signaling, or identifying objects. Similarly, speech and language therapists may use horseback riding/equine movement as a way to address expressive language, breath control, oral-motor function, and social pragmatics.
Research suggests that equine movement positively impacts several areas of the brain, including sensory integration, attention, and motivation. A horse’s walking patterns are three-dimensional and resemble the patient’s walking patterns.
Therapists use interactions with horses to provide sensory stimulation, sustained attention, and tactile stimulation. As a result of this multi-sensory environment, the treatment is able to alter the neurophysiologic and cognitive systems of the client.
A new study has confirmed the positive effects of equine movements in occupational, physical, speech therapy. Specifically, researchers found that equine movement is an effective treatment strategy that promotes the development of fine motor and gross motor ability. It is a great way for patients to practice new skills and learn how to use their bodies appropriately.
Common conditions treated by equine-assisted therapy
Equine-Assisted therapy is a treatment option that uses horses as a means of helping people with mental disorders. It can address a wide variety of problems. Patients suffering from anxiety can learn how to communicate with horses in a nonthreatening manner.
Horses can also be a great resource for people with trust issues. Horses are sensitive and in tune with their environment. They can give feedback quicker than human therapists.
Whether you are dealing with an addiction or depression, equine therapy can help you overcome these obstacles. Working with horses can help you understand your behavior and increase your confidence.
Numerous studies have shown positive effects of animal assisted therapies on people’s psychological and physical well-being. These therapies are believed to improve self-esteem, promote healthy relationships and even lower blood pressure.
During equine-assisted therapy, a mental health professional supervises the activities of the horse. The horse can offer imagery, mirroring, or emotional support. The patient may also play with and groom the animal.
Anxiety is one of the most common conditions that equine-assisted therapies can treat. The horse’s behavior can be observed and discussed with patients about fears and phobias. You can observe horses’ reactions to fear and help you understand your own fears and phobias.
Other equine-assisted therapy programs target physical and coordination issues. For example, hippotherapy uses the movements of a horse to increase core strength and trunk stability. These programs can be especially beneficial for children with cerebral palsy.
Another common condition that is treated by equine-assisted programs is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies have shown that PTSD can often be reduced by riding a horse. In fact, the Department of Justice has funded programs that use equine-assisted therapy to treat PTSD.
As with other types of mental health treatments, it is important to find the right therapist to work with. You should ensure that your therapist is certified, is associated with reputable funding sources, and has experience with the specific conditions you are seeking treatment for.
Hippotherapy vs Equine-assisted Therapy
Hippotherapy and Equine-assisted Therapy are two forms of therapy that use horses or other animals to treat physical, mental and emotional problems. However, there are a number of differences between the two types of therapies.
Hippotherapy focuses on physical therapy. A licensed therapist facilitates the sessions, and uses a horse for clients to improve their motor skills. It is believed that it improves self-esteem as well as body control.
Equine-assisted therapies are often used to treat mental disorders. The therapists aid patients in overcoming their cognitive and emotional issues. They also provide social support.
These therapies can improve motor skills, global gross motor function, as well as reduce symptoms of various mental disorders. Many studies have shown that equine therapy can help patients in many ways.
Horses are sensitive to emotions and reactions. Studies have shown this. They are sensitive to their surroundings and are not biased by past mistakes. They are able to provide feedback much earlier than human therapists.
Horses are also capable of predicting and mirroring the movements of people. This can be helpful in the treatment of certain anxiety disorders.
Children with special needs may find therapy especially helpful. By working with a therapist, parents can ensure that their children get the help they need. These therapies can be beneficial for children if they receive the right amount of support and attention.
Those interested in pursuing these treatments should be careful. Before beginning a session with a therapist for the first time, a person should consult their doctor. Having a specialized therapist is important to ensure that the treatment is the right fit.
Talk to your therapist if you are interested in a new type of treatment. These two therapies are very effective in improving the mental and physical well-being of people of all ages.
Many organizations offer various forms of horse-assisted therapies. Before you try any type of therapy, consult your therapist. Also, keep in mind that some people may have allergic reactions to horses.