Human Equine Therapy

Equine therapy for humans is a complementary therapy rooted in the concept that interacting with animals heals various emotional and physical conditions. The therapy is also known as Equine Human Relaxation Therapy.

History

• Horse riding as a form of therapy emerged in the 19th century, but became popular in the 1940s when polio sufferer Lisa Hartel used equine therapy to overcome her disability and go on to win two Olympic medals.

Features

• The key feature of equine therapy is that it is experiential. Riding offers a method of developing muscles tone and posture to people with disabilities that are unable to take part in weight-bearing activities. Equine therapy also provides social interaction and the opportunity to bond with humans and horses.

Conditions

• Equine therapy is particularly suitable for children and young people with conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, learning problems and emotional difficulties.

Benefits

• Physical benefits include improved coordination and muscle strength. Emotionally, it leads to increased self-confidence and personal motivation because of an improved self-image.

Considerations

• Equine therapy is conducted by health care professionals trained in the technique, using specially trained horses. Contact the Federation of Riding for the Disabled for accredited equine therapy centers in your area.