6 Benefits Of Horse-assisted Therapy

Horse-assisted therapy is a relatively new trend. In 460 BC. Hippocrates talked  about the benefits of horses for solving health problems. However, it was not until the 1960s that people began to use it as a form of rehabilitation.

When riding a horse, the patient begins to stimulate areas of the body that they have never trained before. This enables them to improve their balance and mobility and opens up an incredible communicative response in the rider.

Patients do not have to ride in the normal position. They can sit with their backs forward, stand up, or in several other positions. The rhythm of the horse’s trot is similar to the movements in the pelvis when you walk. This is why horse-assisted therapy is perfect for people with reduced mobility.

Horse-assisted therapy is also highly recommended for people with autism, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and many other similar conditions. However, we should keep in mind that this is an alternative therapy that should always go hand in hand with medical treatment. If this is not the case, it will be difficult for us to notice any improvements.

Horse-assisted therapy

Animals often form a special bond with humans, and this is especially true with horses. The non-verbal communication between the person and the horse strengthens the emotional bonds that are created. Words are not necessary for them to be completely in harmony with each other. Emotions find room to flow, and the relationship between them creates a love and understanding that is often indescribable.

Physical training

During horse-assisted therapy, the patient trains and uses many different muscles in the body. Balance, strength and agility are crucial. In addition, the patient should always be accompanied by a person who is attentive at all times. This therapy promotes joint mobility and also strengthens the abdomen, buttocks, legs and arms. It is also an excellent therapy for strengthening the spine.

Another benefit is that the horse’s body temperature helps the riders to relax. All of these benefits will definitely make us curious enough to learn a little more about this therapy. Riding is such a complete and highly recommended activity because of this.

Horse-assisted therapy improves self-confidence

Having therapy with horses helps people with some form of disability to feel useful. Animals do not judge, do not bully and will not criticize you. They treat people equally, without distinction. They also know how to be grateful every time we show them love and affection.

Horse-assisted therapy acts as a catalyst for more complex emotions. The love and understanding that an animal can give us is sometimes much more enriching than what some people can offer. This is something that everyone who has lived with an animal knows.

It improves attention

This therapy improves concentration and attention, which is very valuable in people with ADHD. The patient focuses on the relationship with the horse, thus increasing the spatial-temporal domain and promoting preoperative thinking.

Of all patients with ADHD, it is especially good for children. Exercising and increasing their ability to control and maintain attention is important. This also applies if the effects achieved in horse-assisted therapy are to be used in the education. On the other hand, on a sensory and cognitive level, it also improves reflexes and stability.

It is both relaxing and reduces stress

This type of therapy is great for freeing the mind from the daily stress. Many psychologists recommend it to deal with anxiety and stress problems. It is also used in some cases for anorexia and bulimia. It also helps people relate to other people who are outside their normal context. It improves the self-control of emotions and teaches patients to express what they feel in an appropriate way.

In contact with nature

The patient does not feel that they are in a very formal or artificial place, something they can feel in a psychologist’s office. Having therapy with horses allows them to be outside. These natural environments give the patient the opportunity to expand their senses. This in turn increases their well-being.

The contact with nature is very therapeutic and allows the patient and the animal to interact in the same environment. Today, many people practice horse-assisted therapy around the world. It is very widespread, thanks to the myriad benefits. However, you should keep in mind that specialized treatment must always go hand in hand .