Equine-Assisted Therapy

Herb' N Wisdom and Natural Living podcast

So I have a confession to make. Today something unexpected happened, and I was trying to figure out how I could write about it and still focus on health. Well, it turns out it wasn't hard at all. Equine-assisted therapy is our topic and through the pictures, you will see the newest members of our farm. Meet, Ms. Maggie, and little baby, Sylvia. Not only are ponies, horses, and other animals therapeutic to people with conditions, they bring a plethora of joy to everyone who encounters them. Given people actually like animals ;). Table Of ContentsSo I have a confession to make.Today something unexpected happened, and I was trying to figure out how I could write about it and still focus on health.What is Equine-Assisted Therapy?When Was It Introduced?Equine-Assisted Therapy Benefits#1 Mental Health and Happiness#2 Focus and Behavior#3 PTSD and TBI#4 Physical Healing#5 Helps Improve Speech#6 Strength and Balance#7 Motor Skills and Occupational TherapyEnding NotesSources What is Equine-Assisted Therapy? Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) has been used by medical professionals such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, social workers, and recreational therapists.Wikipedia When Was It Introduced? "Equine therapy dates back to the times when horses were used for therapeutic riding in ancient Greek literature. Orbasis of ancient Lydia documented the therapeutic value of riding in 600 B.C. In 1946, Equine Therapy was introduced in Scandinavia after an outbreak of poliomyelitis. Therapeutic Riding was introduced to the United States and Canada in 1960 with the formation of the Community Association of Riding of the Disabled (CARD). In the United States riding for the disabled developed as a form of recreation and as a means of motivation for education, as well as its therapeutic benefits. Animals such as elephants, dolphins, dogs, and cats have also been used for therapeutic purposes. However, horses became the most popular animal in therapy to use because they give immediate feedback to the handler or rider’s actions. Horses also have the ability to mirror the feelings of the handler or rider. A horses’ large and intimidating appearance forces an individual to gain trust around them." -The Anxiety Treatment Center The picture shows a brief overview of different ways in which horse or equine therapy can help. However, I want to take a deeper look. Equine-Assisted Therapy Benefits #1 Mental Health and Happiness According to mentalhealthfirstaid.org, 5 percent of adults (18 or older) experience a mental illness in any one year, equivalent to 43.8 million people. Of adults in the United States with any mental disorder in a one-year period, 14.4 percent have one disorder, 5.8 percent have two disorders and 6 percent have three or more. With such a large number due to people suffering from ADD, Cerebral Palsy, Dementia, Anxiety, Autism, Depression, and more, there is a great need for natural therapies. Equine therapy is proven to help with these symptoms and diagnoses, and also is known to build confidence, trust, perspective, and social skills. Since the horses have similar behaviors with humans, such as social and responsive behaviors, it is easy for patients to create a connection with the horse. #2 Focus and Behavior Learning boundaries is something every child goes through. However, kids are impulsive, and some don't take correction as well as others. There are places like Home On The Range for boys, where they use horses along with a work therapy to teach this. Self-efficiency is a need in children that is hard at times to communicate to parents. We all want independence but before that can come there is a learning period. Animals help to calm and correct a person's focus and behavior. This is due to the reaction of the animal and also taking one's thoughts away from self and focusing it on the care and responsibility ...