Using horses as healers is not a new phenomenon even though it has really only been practiced in the United States since the 1970s. Hippotherapy, known as horse therapy, dates back to 460 B.C. and has been used to treat Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Angelman’s Syndrome, traumatic brain injury and a plethora of disabilities. It is also beneficial for developmental delay, spinal curvature, and learning and language disability.
Hippotherapy
It is believed that the rhythmic, repetitive movement of the horse stimulates the central nervous system enhancing neuromotor function and sensory processing. This happens because the human hip movements on a horse are similar to human pelvic movements while walking. Thus it is the horse’s movement that becomes a therapeutic tool to improve neuromuscular function.
Hippotherapy can only be practiced by a licensed physical, occupational or speech therapist. Horses are carefully selected for temperament and gait. Certain ailments may require a different rhythmic pattern. Besides the therapist, assistants are always used to ensure the patient’s safety.
Therapeutic Riding
Unlike hippotherapy, therapeutic riding does not require that the person conducting the session be a licensed therapist. Most Therapeutic Riding instructors are certified in NAHRA (North American Handicapped Riders Assn.). Therapeutic Riding (TR) varies with each instructor and rider, as TR treats not just physically challenged individuals, but individuals with behavioral, social and emotional disorders also.
Often TR is combined with psychotherapy called Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, (EAP), a form of therapy that is designed to use the horse to help bring out what is going on with the client. EAP can be used to diagnose and treat special issues and problems.
Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding offer physical, psychological, social, and educational benefits. The physical benefits range from improved balance, to stronger muscles, better coordination and motor skills, an increased range of motion and reduction of abnormal movement, and sensory integration. Psychologically, participants can develop self-confidence, a sense of well being, patience, emotional control and self-discipline, and improved risk-taking abilities. The social benefits range from developing friendships, to respect and love for animals, to increased experiences and enjoyment.
Educational Benefits from Horse Therapy
Remedial math and reading are two areas, along with speech therapy, that can easily benefit from TR. Because of the setting and the use of horses, there is a significant decrease in the resistance to learning. Games with the horses are used to help children read signs, letters, and numbers. Counting can be incorporated: how many steps did the horse take to complete a trip around the arena? Walk the horse to the number two posted on the wall. When you get to the sign that says stop, turn right. In addition, various activities help develop hand-eye coordination and spatial perception.
Recreational Riding Can Be a Form of Therapy
Even recreational riding can qualify as a form of therapy. How many secrets, joys and sorrows have you shared with your horse? How many troubles has your horse heard? What about all the sadness and stress that is left on the trail?
The horse as healer represents a world both ancient and miraculous. It is a world of healing. It is a world filled with the great heart of the horse.
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