How to Train Horses to Work With the Handicapped

Therapeutic equine programs match disabled people to horses and their handlers to assist with physical, mental and emotional healing. The motion of the horse's body encourages muscle control, flexibility, mobility and stability, while the mysterious link between horses and humans encourages emotional growth.

Horse owners often consider involving their horses in a therapy program. While not all horses are candidates for such programs, many would prove to be excellent therapy horses with some additional training.

Things You'll Need

  • Lead rope
  • Halter
  • Bridle
  • Saddle or pad with stirrups
  • Assistant
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Instructions

  1. Training the Horse

    • 1
      A horse should be calm and willing.

      Evaluate the horse's personality. It must be calm, willing and not easily spooked. Programs, such as Reins, prefer a horse with some level of professional training.

    • 2

      Assess the horse's physical condition. It must move smoothly at all three gaits and be sound and healthy. Age requirements differ by therapy center.

    • 3
      A horse must learn multiple leading techniques.

      Vary the methods of leading the horse. The Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association requires a horse to follow with a traditional lead attached to a halter, with the reins gathered under the head, with a rope thrown over the neck, and with the reins in the rider's hands while being led with a traditional lead.

    • 4
      The horse should be accustomed to various reining styles.

      Practice riding the horse with reins low and in separate hands, high and in separate hands, together in the left hand and together in the right. If it does not respond, cue it with its old aid and immediately follow with the new aid.

    • 5

      Accustom the horse to working with other animals through group riding sessions, trail rides or ground work with other horses.

    • 6

      Expose the horse to a variety of normally frightening situations and noises. Casually walk the horse past wheelchairs, cheering people, waving flags and moving objects until the horse can be fully trusted not to spook.

    • 7
      Horses that enjoy people make good therapy animals.

      Introduce the horse to strangers of all ages.

    • 8

      Condition the horse to unusual movements felt on its back. While a handler holds the horse, a rider should stand in the stirrups, lean in all directions, sway, lie flat and sit backward and sideways. Continue this at a walk.

    • 9

      Accustom the horse to people working simultaneously on both sides, both during ground work and while in motion.

    • 10

      Teach the horse to halt when its rider loses control. An experienced rider should act as though he has lost his balance, at which time either the rider or ground handler should immediately stop the horse.

    • 11

      Contact the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) or North American Riding for the Handicapped. They can locate nearby equine therapists who can assess whether the horse is ready for their programs. The therapists can also indicate any further training necessary to meet the specific standards of their centers.