Equine Assisted Therapy and Equine Assisted Learning, are both terms that have been coming to the forefront of the Equestrian Industry in recent years. If you are a budding Equestrian, no doubt you have long been aware just how special the therapeutic effects of a horse can be. However, in recent years the mainstream medical profession has begun to investigate just how beneficial working with Equines can be for both those with Psychological Issues, Addictions, Learning Disabilities, and other serious illnesses such as MS etc.
Irish Sport Horse Magazine, decided to do a little bit of research, to discover just how beneficial Horses can be to children or adults with a variety of problems and how Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) or Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) can help humans to overcome a wide variety of issues.
A Little History of Animals & Therapy
The beneficial effects of Animals in the treatment of Mental Health Issues, have been documented as far back as 1792. While since the mid 1900’s the use of animals in Therapy as companions is also documented. (BT Klontz et al 2007).
The use of Horses as therapy animals has grown in tremendous popularity over the past 2 decades, and now there are a number of studies, documenting just how beneficial and lasting these effects can be.
Horses as Therapy Animals
Why Use Horses? Well horses are prey animals, and as such it has been suggested they live more in the moment. giving people that work with them instant feedback on behaviour. This allows the individual working with the horse to modify their behaviour so that they are working in harmony with the horse to achieve a result.
EAT – Ground Work with Horses.
So ground work with horses; such as learning to lead, groom and lunge horses can all prove very beneficial for humans, with both psychological and behavioural issues. It is said that horses also form a way for people to air deep seated problems that have been buried for months or years.
EAT – Ridden Work with Horses
Ridden work also proves hugely beneficial for those dealing with learning difficulties and also those with serious illness such as MS and also for those recovering from serious illness, helping them to regain strength. There are new studies which are investigating the use of Hippotherapy (therapeutic riding) for these purposes.
The gait of the horse is described as having a 3 dimensional movement, the horse moves forwards and backwards, sideways and with a moment of suspension in the trot and canter, up and down. This offers a multi sensory learning experience to the rider, which in turn proves beneficial to their brain, leading to improved balance and coordination. Plus it is said that the movement of the horse has a soothing effect on those that are on the Autism Spectrum; although as rider, I can wholeheartedly say that this soothing effect is known by all equestrians.
EAT – Conclusion
The conclusion is that new studies are continually proving the Horses Improve People’s Lives and their Brains for the better. For us humans, improved mental health, coordination and balance, being just some of the positives, with that said, we reached out to a lady who works with horses and people, she not only helps horses with problems, but she also is a huge advocate of Equine Assisted Therapy. We asked her to share a little of her Journey with Horses. In the Next Piece we talk to Caitriona O’Meara, about her journey with horses, and how her training is now helping her teach horses and people to work through problems to achieve a beneficial results.
Read All About Caitriona O’Meara, Her work with Horses and Equine Assisted Therapy Here>>
This Article was originally published in the December 2019 Issue of Irish Sport Horse Magazine.