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Equine Assisted Therapy: How Horses Can Help

Most of us experience the extraordinary amount of emotional support that animals bring us through that special bond between an owner and pet. The benefits are even more pronounced in a therapeutic setting and can result in individuals building confidence, self- efficacy, communication, trust, perspective, social skills, impulse control, and learning boundaries.

What is Equine Assisted Therapy?

Individuals who seek equine assisted therapy typically work with both a therapist who specializes in equine therapy and a horse trainer who is familiar with their therapeutic application. It is possible both roles may be filled by the same person. Designed for people of all ages, equine therapy has been shown to treat a wide range of mental health issues, addressing both physical and psychological concerns.

Equine assisted therapy can provide relief for those suffering from a number of mental health problem including ADD, Anxiety, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Dementia, Depression, Developmental Delay, Genetic Syndromes (such as Down Syndrome), traumatic brain injuries, behavioral issues, substance abuse issues, and many more.

Equine therapy can also target physical concerns such as behavioral tics, motor control issues, balance, posture, and coordination–especially in children and teens with cerebral palsy.

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Why Horses?

While other animals such as dogs, cats, and even dolphins are used for therapeutic purposes, horses are the most popular because they give immediate feedback to the handler or rider’s actions. Horses also have the ability to mirror the feelings of the handler or rider.

According to Psychology Today: “Being in the barn, grooming, feeding, and otherwise caring for our horses reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and improves overall health. Yet, it is the companionship with our equine partners that is the foundation of our growth in relationship to these animals.”

History of Equine Assisted Therapy

  • The earliest documented cases of equine therapy dates back to ancient Greek literature: Hippocretes wrote about the benefits of horseback riding in 460 B.C.

  • There are numerous mentions of riding health factors both in Italy and France in the 1500s and 1700s.

  • In 1875, French neurologist Charles Chassaignac conducted a study about how therapeutic riding improved the muscle tone, balance, motion, joint movement, and mood of his patients who had various neurological and physical disorders.

  • In the early 1900s, equestrian therapy was used to help rehabilitate soldiers in the United Kingdom.

  • Denmark successfully used equine therapy to help those affected by polio starting in 1946.  

  • In 1969, the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA), now known as the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) was founded. It provides an advisory body on matters of therapeutic horse riding and it provides safety guidelines, disseminates information, and also trains and certifies riding instructors and accredits different riding centers in the US.

  • In 1999, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) also formed and offers certifications in either Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) or Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in the US.

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What Could a Session Look Like?

There is more to equine therapy than just riding a horse. The therapist may set goals such as putting on a halter or leading a horse all while discussing thought processes and problem solving while completing the task. This may also help with communication skills like listening, following directions, and articulating thoughts. As some people who struggle with anxiety often have problems worrying about the past or the future, working with horses encourages them to be focused on the present. The equine therapist may use Cognitive Therapy as well encouraging positive thoughts while interacting with the horse.

Summary

Equine-assisted therapy may be able to help those who are recovering from substance abuse, trauma, depression, or a number of other psychological or physical issues. It is important to find a licensed medical professional in order for the therapy to be both effective and safe. 

For more information about the benefits of equine therapy and other options, please contact Journey to Wellness Counseling, LLC.

Andrea-Lynne DeCrosta