Advantages of Equine Therapy

New therapy strategies and ideas are continuously evolving. There is a fairly new kind of therapy for children with Autism and attention deficit disorders called Equine therapy.  The Equine Therapy website defines “Equine assisted psychotherapy [as] an emerging form of therapeutic intervention in which horses are used as tools for clients to gain self-understanding and emotional growth.” Activities, such as grooming, feeding, and leading the horses, are set up and facilitated by a licensed mental health professional with assistance from a horse professional. Although there is not much research and evidence to prove the benefits of equine therapy, many mental health professionals are agreeing that using animals as part of the therapy is a valuable addition to a child’s treatment plan.

So how does equine therapy directly help children with Autism? Well mental health professionals believe that “the rhythmic motion of riding a horse causes the kids to focus on the movement - which is slow, deliberate, and relaxing.” While the child is improving on focus skills, they are also stimulating tactile senses. For example, exploring the different surfaces of the horse and feeling the difference between the fluffy hair and the soft, moist nose. Different activities, such as riding and grooming of the horses, assist with development of gross and fine motor skills. Children with Autism also often have difficulty with social interactions. Through equine therapy the child becomes more comfortable interacting with the horse, which allows the child to open up and bond with the animals. After this major stepping stone, the child will then have the ablity to build relationships with people and other children.

Equine Therapy has been successful in making huge improvements in children’s lives that are diagnosed with Autism. It is a safe environment where children have the opportunity to grow and learn. The interaction the child experiences with the horse helps the child to become calmer and increase overall happiness.  

Below is a list that shows the positive benefits of Equine therapy programs:

• Confidence
• Self-Efficacy
• Self-Concept
• Communication
• Trust
• Perspective
• Decreased Isolation
• Self-Acceptance
• Impulse Control
• Social Skills
• Boundaries
• Spiritual Connection

Like I stated previously, incorporating horses in therapy is fairly new. The first time I heard about Equine Therapy was from a good friend of mine. We were catching up and she mentioned that she was working at a center that used Equine Therapy for children and adults diagnosed with Autism, Down syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy. She said that the patients really enjoyed being around the horses and that their faces would brighten up.  I think this is a great environment to do therapy. The clients are outdoors and are able to look at the sky, trees, and flowers. Nature is calming and relaxing and brings a new element into the therapy. This is a great alternative to use rather than being in a small room with one window. The main goal is to help clients improve overall in different areas of skills. When the client is happy, there is a higher chance of reaching their intended goals and outcomes. 

Here are the references and more websites to learn about the advantages of Equine Therapy:

• http://www.equine-therapy-programs.com/aspergers.html
• http://www.wayofthehorse.org/Articles/horse-therapy.html
• http://www.pathintl.org/resources-education/resources/eaat/201-what-is-efpl