Fireside check in with Flute 06/29/22 Equine Therapy

Magical greetings everyone welcome to another Fireside check in with Flute! It's great to see you 💙

For today's check in topic I thought I'd talk about something I've heard little about, Equine Assisted Therapy.

Equine-assisted therapies are programs where professionals guide clients through activities with horses. There are different kinds of equine programs, and they have different goals for the people involved. Some programs are part of mental health treatment. In other cases, clients ride horses as part of a physical or occupational therapy regimen. The use of Equine therapy has roots in antiquity. Horses have been used for therapeutic purposes since the time of the ancient Greeks. The Greek physician [1] Hippocrates, known as the "Father of Medicine," wrote about the therapeutic potential of horseback riding.

For centuries there has been a connection, fascination and admiration of horses and the power and grace that they exude. Horses are non-judgemental and can mirror human emotion which allows for positive therapeutic moments with seniors and those individuals with special needs. Riding for therapeutic benefits became more popular in the 1950's and 60's. In 1969, the North American Riding for Handicapped Association was formed, which later became the [2] Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International.

Throughout the world, hundreds of thousands of individuals with and without special needs experience the rewarding benefits of equine-assisted services.

Who can benefit from EAS?

People of all ages with diverse abilities can gain benefits from equine-assisted therapy.

Whether it's a five-year-old with Down syndrome, a 45-year-old recovering from a spinal cord injury, a senior citizen recovering from a stroke or a teenager struggling with depression, horses can be used in counseling with individuals of all ages, even with families and groups.

Physical, cognitive or emotional special needs do not limit a person from interacting with horses. In fact, such interactions can prove highly rewarding. For instance, experiencing the rhythmic motion of a horse can be very beneficial. Riding a horse moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait, so riders with physical needs often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength. For individuals with emotional challenges, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience and self-esteem. For teams in the corporate workplace and any individual seeking better leadership, team building or communication skills, working with horses provides a powerful new paradigm.

What issues can EAS help with?

Attention Deficit Disorder

Children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have difficulties with attention and self control of behavior. Horseback riding requires attention to the instructor and the horse. Children who participate in a riding program will be taught sequential steps for learning to control their horse and becoming more independent. Riding lessons can be modified in length to accommodate for decreased attention span in the beginning of the program. Children with ADD or ADHD may also benefit from participation in a vaulting program,Vaulting requires attention and timing for approaching the horse on the lunge line as well as mounting and dismounting. In vaulting, children work in groups requiring self control and teamwork.

Autism

Children and adults with autism participate in a variety of programs including riding, driving, vaulting, hippotherapy, and equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP). Both equine-assisted activities such as riding or vaulting and equine-assisted therapy such as hippotherapy or psychotherapy can impact the life of a person with autism.

Brain Injuries

People with brain injuries can experience multiple symptoms related to their injury. They may participate in a variety of programs depending on their abilities and goals. People with a brain injury who are seeking to pursue a new recreational outlet may benefit from riding, participants develop skills needed to direct their equine partners through obstacles, cones courses, or on trail rides.

Others include Cerebral Palsy, Cerebrovascular Accident/Stroke

Substance Use Disorders.

Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Stress.

Trauma.

Eating Disorders.

Behavior Disorders.

Traumatic Brain Injury.

Dementia.

Learning Challenges.

Visual and auditory disabilities

Riding is also good exercise and a lot of fun. People who may have physical limitations and can’t participate in other recreational activities find riding to be an enjoyable way to spend time.

Thanks for reading this check in, I hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as Ive enjoyed writing it. Remember we're all in this together, have a magical journey! your friend and forum supporter Flute.

A quote for your consideration

No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.

Winston Churchill

A few links for your consideration.

[1] Hippocrates

[2] Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl)

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