Youth Group Home Equine Programs

There's an old saying that laughter is the best medicine, but horses have proven themselves to be valuable medical tools as well, especially among disabled or troubled young people. Equine therapy has gained widespread popularity as both an outpatient therapy and a treatment program for kids in group homes who have suffered physical, psychological, emotional or other trauma. Programs involving horses are even being used in gang-intervention programs.

  1. Program Methods

    • Equine programs may be offered in a variety of forms and benefit a number of youth group-home residents. Certain programs focus on horseback riding, while in others, kids concentrate on taking care of the horses in a number of ways, from making sure they get exercise to feeding and grooming them. Youths may even compete in a horse-related activity, such as polo or carriage driving. Each program offers different benefits and should be selected based on the needs of the individual children in a youth group home.

    Physical Benefits

    • The most obvious benefits of equine programs may be the physical changes that take place in kids in group homes. Taking care of horses and making sure they get exercise can be strenuous work, so being involved in these programs can help kids become more fit. Hippotherapy, a physical or occupational therapy in which the characteristic movements of the horse are utilized as part of the treatment, and horseback riding can help kids with neuromuscular disorders and other physical disabilities become stronger and develop a sense of freedom and independence.

    Other Benefits

    • Equine programs can help kids with social, emotional and behavioral needs, as well as those with psychological issues. Youth who have trouble trusting and opening up to other people may be able to more easily develop a bond with horses. Similarly, kids who have trouble controlling their tempers or who exhibit behavioral problems may find working with the horses calming and relaxing.

    Examples

    • These days, it seems as though wherever there are disabled or troubled youths, there are equine programs available nearby. A program at the Lewis &Clark Therapeutic Youth Home in Helena, Montana, integrates horses into all aspects of life and allows kids to care for the animals, as well as spend recreational time with them. The Mel Blount Youth Home of PA in Claysville, Pennsylvania, offers an equestrian arts program that encompasses both classroom education and horseback riding. New Directions Youth and Family Services in Buffalo, New York, features an equestrian program that culminates in an annual horse show at Randolph Children's Home.