Equine Assisted Activities & Therapy

Equine activities and animal-assisted therapy have increased in popularity over the past several decades, as the benefits of the interaction of horse and human have become well noted. The movement of the horse's body is conducive to balance building in even the most impaired riders, and the soothing touch of a horse's flesh is very healing for the abused and neglected. Knowing more about these programs can help you make an informed decision concerning treatment.

  1. Communication by Touch

    • A horse relies almost entirely on body language for communication, which makes it an exceptional choice for victims of abuse, neglect or autism. Because a horse is non-human and, in the case of therapy horses, proven as non-threatening to the rider, the rider can feel comfortable touching and learning to touch, and being touched in return. Victims of sexual abuse in particular can benefit from hippotherapy, as noted on the Shumbashaba website, "Horses react to the participants' body language, giving immediate feedback to both the verbal and the non-verbal communication." By working with an animal that is so physical, so large and powerful, and yet so responsive, sex abuse victims can be brought into physical contact without threat, and learn to touch again.

    Improving Balance

    • Riding a horse requires a great deal of balance and physical exercise. Muscles all over the body are worked, and particularly those in the legs and lower torso. Equine therapy is excellent for people with cerebral palsy and other disorders that affect body balance and movement. The rider, assisted on either side by helpers, is often totally unaware of the effort it is taking for them to stay upright and balanced, as it gives them a rare and wondrous sense of freedom and achievement to be riding horseback, tall and powerful. Walking, trotting and playing games like "barrels" or "egg-and-spoon" can be incredible tools to help the rider's with balance, concentration and confidence. The physical benefits can only be matched by the mental and emotional benefits.

    Mental Help

    • Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down's Syndrome and other mental disorders can all benefit from Equine therapy and activities. A horse can communicate with any rider who is willing to be calm and to work with them. In the case of autistic children in particular, the results can be fantastic, as the limited world of the autistic rider is breached, and true communication through physical contact can be achieved. As already stated, in the case of abuse victims, whether children or adults, equine therapy is ideal, as it instills a confidence in the rider and a comfort zone with their bodies, which is so hard to achieve through other, non-equine related methods.