Equine-Assisted Therapy
What is Equine-Assisted therapy?
Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) refers to a variety of treatments that use horses and other equines to help people with ADD, anxiety, autism, dementia, depression, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, genetic syndromes, traumatic brain injuries, behavioural problems, abuse issues, and many other mental health issues to grow physically, occupationally, and emotionally.
It aids in the development of self-esteem, perspective, trust, reduction of anxiety, the strengthening of coping mechanisms, and the improvement of communal functioning. Supportive equine-assisted therapy assists patients in dealing with challenges connected to their mental health illnesses, which have an impact on the rest of their lives.
Equine-assisted therapy is a complementary treatment used by mental health professionals as well as other human service professionals in fields such as education, business, and healthcare. It is simple for patients to establish a connection with the horse since horses and people exhibit comparable behaviours, such as social and responsive responses.
The way horses can be used in equine-assisted therapy can differ by patient, an example would be people participating in tasks such as grooming, feeding, and guiding horses under the supervision of a mental health expert. This type of treatment aims to assist people in developing qualities such as emotional management, self-confidence, and responsibility. With the experiential approach and some emerging proof of its effectiveness, equine-assisted therapy is gaining favour.
Does Equine-assisted therapy work?
In a study involving more than 30 participants who were enrolled in an experiential equine-assisted therapy program, researchers discovered that psychological distress decreased soon after treatment and that psychological well-being increased. During a follow-up six months later, these beneficial benefits persisted.
Particularly in kids and teenagers with cerebral palsy, equine therapy can address physical issues such as behavioural tics, motor control problems, balance, posture, and coordination. In other instances, interacting with horses aided people by enhancing their cognitive abilities, decreasing stress, relieving PTSD symptoms, and addressing depression symptoms. Equine therapy has even been demonstrated to help some people overcome unhealthy relationship patterns or conduct that endangers their safety or health.
The traits of horses that make them unique for therapy
Horses are non-judgmental and unbiased since they solely respond to a patient's conduct and emotions; they are not influenced by a patient's appearance or prior transgressions. Patients say that this is important to the therapy and helps them feel more confident and self-assured.
Feedback and mirroring: Because they are herd and prey animals, they are naturally hypervigilant and sensitive, which makes them astute observers. This indicates that, in contrast to a human therapist, their input is given earlier and more frequently. The horse has a natural inclination to mimic the patient's actions, gestures, and emotions, which aids the participant in becoming more self-aware. Patients can "feel felt" thanks to it. The horse expert may then translate this input, and the group can interpret it.
Medically beneficial
If one of the ways a person is treated with horse therapy is by riding one, there are numerous medical benefits. For one thing, the horse's body temperature, which is slightly higher than the average human body temperature, helps to relieve tension in the rider and promote blood circulation.
Riding improves muscle movement consistency and balance, which can have a therapeutic effect in reducing and overcoming obstacles. The hips naturally move in accordance with the horse's movements, providing moderate stimulation to the spinal cord. It also improved posture, balance and sense of movement.
Citations:
Cumella, E. J., & Simpson, S. (2007). Efficacy of equine therapy: Mounting evidence. Remuda Ranch Center for Anorexia and Bulimia. Retrieved from http://www.psicoterapiaequina.cl/pdf/Efficacy_of_Equine_Therapy.pdf
Klontz, B. T., Bivens, A., Leinart, D., & Klontz, T. (2007). The effectiveness of equine-assisted experiential therapy: Results of an open clinical trial. Society & Animals, 15(3), 257-267.
Therapeutic riding vs. hippotherapy. (2013, January 30). Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy. Retrieved from http://hetra.org/therapeutic-riding-vs-hippotherapy
Tyler, J. L. (1994). Equine psychotherapy: Worth more than just a horse laugh. Women & Therapy, 15(3-4), 139-146. Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J015v15n03_11
Types of equine therapy. (n.d.) EquestrianTherapy.com. Retrieved from http://www.equestriantherapy.com/types-of-equine-therapy
What is equine therapy? (n.d.) CRC Health. Retrieved from http://www.crchealth.com/types-of-therapy/what-is-equine-therapy
Yorke, J., Nugent, W., Strand, E., Bolen, R., New, J., & Davis, C. (2013). Equine-assisted therapy and its impact on cortisol levels of children and horses: A pilot study and meta-analysis. Early Child Development and Care, 183(7), 874-894. Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03004430.2012.693486?src=recsys