When we think of therapy, the image that often comes to mind is of a traditional office setting with a therapist and client in chairs across from each other. However, a lesser-known form of therapy has been gaining recognition in recent years – horse therapy.
This unique form of therapy involves working with horses as a way to improve physical, emotional, and mental health. Horse therapy has been found to be particularly effective for individuals with conditions such as autism, PTSD, and anxiety.
Former British PM Sir Winston Churchill said, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”
Horses have been used as therapy for centuries, and a good reason. There is ample scientific evidence to suggest that horse therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy, can effectively improve mental and physical health.
In this article, we’ll explore the importance of horse therapy and the benefits it can bring to individuals seeking alternative forms of healing.
How can horses assist in giving therapies?
The mechanisms behind the benefits of equine-assisted therapy are not yet fully understood. However, the human-horse bond is believed to be vital in the therapeutic process. Horses are social animals highly attuned to the emotional states of those around them. This makes them ideal partners in therapy, as they can provide immediate feedback to participants and help them develop emotional regulation and interpersonal skills.
Horses can assist in giving therapies in a number of ways, including Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) and Equine-Assisted Activities (EAA). These therapies involve working with horses in a therapeutic setting to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
In EAT, horses are used to help participants work through a range of physical, emotional, and mental health conditions. This can include PTSD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorders. Depending on their individual needs and goals, participants may engage in various activities with the horses, such as grooming, feeding, or riding.
EAA, on the other hand, involves working with horses in a non-therapeutic setting to promote social, emotional, and physical development. This can include activities such as horseback riding, horse grooming, and horse care. EAA can be particularly beneficial for children and youth with physical, developmental, or emotional disabilities, as it can help improve self-esteem, confidence, and social skills.
Horses can also assist in giving therapies through their unique physical characteristics. The movements of a horse’s gait can be beneficial for improving balance, coordination, and muscle strength in individuals with physical disabilities. Horseback riding, in particular, is helpful for individuals with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and other physical disabilities.
Overall, horses can assist in giving therapies through their unique physical and emotional characteristics. Their ability to offer physical benefits, form strong bonds with humans, and provide instant responses make them a valuable tool in treating several physical, emotional, and mental health conditions.
Why is Equine-Assisted Therapy effective in humans?
The bond between horses and humans is more than just physical. Existing research shows that equine-assisted therapy and other animal-assisted psychotherapies are effective on humans because of the following reasons:
Calming Effect
First and foremost, horses have a calming effect on humans. When we are in the presence of horses, our heart rate and blood pressure tend to decrease, which can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. In fact, research published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management found that spending time with horses can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels. This is particularly true for individuals with mental health conditions like depression and PTSD.
Improves Physical Health
Horse therapy has also been shown to improve physical health. Horseback riding, for example, can be a great form of exercise. It can improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength, particularly in the core and legs. This can be especially advantageous for individuals with disabilities or injuries that make other forms of exercise difficult. Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that horseback riding can improve flexibility, endurance, and overall physical fitness.
Regulates Emotional Health
Another benefit of horse therapy is the emotional connection that can be formed between the horse and the individual. Horses are incredibly intuitive animals, and they can sense our emotions and respond to them. This can be useful for people who struggle with social skills or emotional regulation. A study published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies found that children with autism who participated in horse therapy showed improvements in social skills and emotional regulation.
The Benefit of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Equine-assisted psychotherapy offers numerous benefits to participants, including.
- Increased confidence, self-awareness, and social skills.
- Facilitates emotional communication, boundary modelling, social connection, and empathy development.
- Helps reduce anxiety, fear, depression, and social isolation, making it a promising intervention for trauma symptoms such as hypervigilance and social withdrawal.
- Provides a safe space for individuals to express their emotions without fear and communicate without directly discussing their traumas or fears.
Research shows that not only do humans benefit from animal contact, but animals can also benefit from human contact by managing their stress response and sympathetic nervous system. This mutually beneficial relationship makes equine therapy a win-win situation for all involved.
To conclude
Equine-assisted therapy is a growing field with a solid scientific research base. It is estimated that many ways horses can be a valuable tool for treating physical and mental health conditions will soon be uncovered.
In conclusion, horses are good therapy for a variety of reasons. Scientific research has shown that spending time with horses can improve mental and physical health, including reductions in stress and anxiety levels, improvements in physical fitness, and enhancements in social skills and emotional regulation. Whether looking to improve your overall well-being or seeking alternative therapy for a specific condition, horse therapy is worth considering.