Equine therapy can be life-changing for people with special needs. However, finding the right therapy program and understanding the terminology can be overwhelming. In this article, we will break down the benefits of horses and horseback riding for physical and mental health, types of Equine Therapy Programs, and examples of programs for each type of therapy.
Horses are proven to benefit physical and mental health. In a study conducted by Mississippi State University, researchers found that regular interactions with horses increases confidence, communication, and decision-making. The study also found that people experience lower stress levels after interacting with horses. Interacting with horses has physical benefits as well. Horseback riding can be a great way to get moderate aerobic exercise, which benefits the heart and lowers blood pressure. It also improves the rider’s coordination, balance, and posture. Grooming horses can help to build stamina and motor skills.
Equine therapy is proven to help individuals with a multitude of physical, emotional, behavioral, and psychological impairments gain crucial skills and improve their quality of life.
There are four main types of equine therapy: equine facilitated psychotherapy, equine facilitated learning, hippotherapy, and therapeutic riding. Each type is geared towards a different kind of outcome for the participant. The first two types, equine facilitated psychotherapy and equine facilitated learning, primarily benefit the patient’s mental health, whereas hippotherapy and therapeutic riding provide physical therapy.
Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy
Equine facilitated psychotherapy (EFP), also known as equine assisted psychotherapy, is usually facilitated by a certified therapist and a horse handler. These two professionals work together to create a treatment plan unique to each client. However, the overarching goal of EFP is the same for everyone: to promote healing from emotional or behavioral problems.
Typically, EFP focuses on caring for the horse rather than riding it. Dedicating time and energy towards bonding and grooming a horse can increase the client’s self esteem, confidence, and empathy. It can also be a low-stress form of social interaction for people who struggle to form close ties with others.
Horses are especially helpful in improving mental health conditions because they are sensitive to humans’ emotional states, and will only learn to trust someone when they feel safe. Clients quickly learn how their body language and speech can impact the horse’s behavior. This knowledge can then be transferred into interactions with other people.
Equine facilitated psychotherapy can be used to treat a multitude of mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and depression.
There are a multitude of equine facilitated psychotherapy programs across the country, such as Forward Stride in Beaverton, Oregon; Ride on Center for Kids (ROCK) in Georgetown, Texas; and Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in Redmond, Washington.
Equine Facilitated Learning
Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL), also called Equine Assisted Learning, promotes the development of life skills through bonding and caring for horses. This type of equine therapy helps people work towards personal or professional goals, and teaches vital skills such as concentration, stress management, leadership, and responsibility. EFL doesn’t require the presence of a trained mental health professional; instead, a horse expert guides the client through interactions with horses to build trust and self-confidence.
Equine facilitated learning takes advantage of the many facets of caring for horses. For starters, this type of therapy allows clients to get outdoors, exercise their bodies, and adapt to a new environment. Additionally, equine facilitated learning encourages positive social interaction with people and horses, and opens the door for leadership and teamwork opportunities.
Although EFL can be used to help anyone gain new skills, it is usually geared towards children and adults with learning difficulties. This type of therapy uses a uniquely hands-on approach, and is very experiential in nature. Individuals who may not respond well to traditional educational methods may find that this kind of learning environment is exactly what they need to gain self-confidence and emotional well-being. EFL can also be used as a team building exercise for families, coworkers, and friends.
Many facilities offer equine facilitated learning, such as Strides to Success in Plainfield, Indiana and LyonHeart in Kearney, Nebraska.
Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy is a form of occupational, physical, and speech therapy conducted by a licensed physiotherapist. This type of therapy utilizes the movement from a horse’s walk as a medium of therapy for individuals who have conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, arthritis, or multiple sclerosis. Hippotherapy can also be used to treat people with a head injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, as well as various psychiatric and behavioral disorders.
This form of therapy involves riding the horse. The rhythmic sensation of the horse’s gait is used as a tool to improve circulation, neurologic function, and sensory processing. Hippotherapy also benefits the client’s mobility, coordination, posture, and balance. Skilled therapists can modify the horse’s movement and carefully adjust the level of sensory input for the client.
Although hippotherapy is a highly specialized form of therapy, there are many locations for treatment. HorsePlay Therapy in St. Augustine, Florida; Miracles in Motion in Swisher, Iowa; and KidsBridge Therapy in Albuquerque, New Mexico are just a few.
Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic riding benefits riders both physically and mentally. A team of therapists will help the client ride the horse and guide them through grooming routines. This type of therapy incorporates physical exercise from horseback riding with the emotional and psychological benefits of bonding and caring for a horse. Horses are very intuitive creatures, and respond to the rider’s physical and auditory cues. For individuals with special needs, learning to interact with horses through their body language and words can be hugely beneficial. Therapeutic riding also provides companionship for people experiencing loneliness or isolation.
Therapeutic horseback riding can help anyone looking to improve their physical and mental well-being, but this type of therapy is typically used for people with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Lots of barns provide therapeutic horseback riding services. Here are a few: Freedom Hooves in Wichita, Kansas; Prospect Riding Center in Myakka City, Florida; and Agape Riding in Cicero, Indiana.
