The Power of Equine Therapy
By Kate Gardner
My husband's grandmother (we all call her Granny) loves horses. Strike that, she's obsessed with horses. According to Granny, horses make everything better. It turns out there may be some truth to what she says. Today, many people are turning to equine assisted therapies, working with horses to solve problems, learn new skills, and make their lives better.
In an article for Psychology Today, "The Therapeutic Value of Horses," Constance Scharff, PhD describes equine assisted therapy as "a treatment that uses horses to reach rehabilitative goals." These goals can span a number of different medical disciplines from psychotherapy to occupational therapy and are overseen by a healthcare provider in that field.
Types of Equine Therapy
According to EquestrianTherapy.com, there are four main types of equine therapy.
Equine facilitated psychotherapy - This type of therapy is often used to treat mood disorders, anxiety, and behavioral problems. Scharff notes that this therapy often doesn't involve riding horses, focusing instead on caring for them.
Equine facilitated learning - This therapy helps people learn social and life skills through their interactions with horses. It is often geared toward youth and young adults.
Hippotherapy - Hippotherapy is guided by occupational, speech, and physical therapists. It uses the natural movements of the horse to improve motor skills and provide sensory input. Riding is the central component of this therapy.
Therapeutic riding - Therapeutic riding shares many features with hippotherapy. Here, horseback riding is used to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being or participants.
Benefits of Equine Therapy
Equine therapies provide a wide range of benefits and treat a number of different problems.
Psychological - Equine therapies have been used to treat several different psychological and emotional issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans, as well as helping with addiction and anxiety. Scharff stresses that working with horses helps people process their feelings and build trust.
Physical - The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International lists many of the ways equine therapies can assist in the treatment and recovery of physical injury and illness. They have been used in the recovery of patients with traumatic brain injury and stroke and as therapy for individuals with cerebral palsy. Hippotherapy has successfully been used to aid in the recovery of individuals who have had a lower limb amputated.
Whether you've always loved horses or you're new to their magic, equine assisted therapies may be worth considering.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Antonio, Tex.