Spending time with animals is useful. Pets are good for physical and mental health, due to their unconditional love and the stress-reducing effects of being close. Most people consider dogs and cats as animals that help people. Horses may also be beneficial partners in some types of therapy.
Equine-assisted therapies are programs by which professionals guide clients through activities involving horses. There are various kinds of equine programs they usually have different goals for the people involved. Some programs are a part of mental health treatment. In other cases, clients ride as a part of physical therapy or occupational therapy.
A horse stable doesn't appear to be the standard place for intensive mental health work. However, some people find horse-assisted therapy useful. Typically, equine-assisted therapy is a team effort by which a psychologist works with an equine specialist. Clients who take part in equine-assisted therapy are typically searching for help with emotional or behavioral issues.
Customers work with specially trained horses and learn the way to take care of them. Therapy focuses more on learning to take care of the animals than on learning to ride a horse. Working with horses takes place along with methods similar to cognitive behavioral therapy and experiential therapy.
Caring for horses requires focus, selflessness and teamwork. Equine-assisted therapy programs will help people improve their self-esteem, self-awareness, confidence and empathy. Equine therapy programs will help treat:
- Behavioral problems
- relationship problems
- Sorrow
- Fear
- depression
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Seeks
- eating disorder
People who need physical therapy or occupational therapy often profit from specialized riding programs. As with equine-assisted mental health therapy, therapeutic riding programs are also used specially trained horses in addition to staff with skilled training in occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy. Depending on the client's needs, he works towards different goals.
People with different abilities profit from therapeutic riding. If an individual cannot sit on a horse, horse-drawn carriage programs are an option. The physical activity of those activities helps people construct strength and balance and improve spatial awareness. Both riding and caring for horses help improve physical endurance and dexterity, which is a typical goal of occupational therapy.
Therapeutic riding programs help individuals with a wide range of special needs, including:
- amputation
- autism
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrom
- Emotional or behavioral difficulties
- muscular dystrophy
- multiple sclerosis
- paralysis
- Spina bifida
- Spinal cord injury
- Strokes
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Visual and hearing impairments
Riding can be good exercise and a variety of fun. For individuals with physical limitations who cannot take part in other leisure activities, cycling is an enjoyable technique to spend time.
Equine-assisted learning is a skill-building method by which people work with horses to attain specific personal or skilled goals. A client works with a facilitator who creates a lesson plan based on the person's wishes. The facilitator guides a participant through lessons on horse care and observing horse behavior. You will link horse behavior with lessons about human behavior.
There are some special programs for veterans that include elements of equine learning and equine-assisted therapy. These programs help veterans, particularly those with PTSD, reintegrate into civilian life. Working with horses helps them construct communication skills, emotional regulation and trust.
Learning programs could be tailored to every individual. Organizations can arrange a horse ride as a team constructing experience or as an expert development program. People of all ages can profit from horse-assisted learning.
Therapeutic equine programs are beneficial for individuals with specific needs and goals. Research shows that folks with each physical and emotional needs profit from working with horses. Therapeutic programs exist throughout the United States.
Everyone can profit from spending time with horses. Caring for animals is a proven technique to reduce stress and improve mood. Pet ownership is related to reduced blood pressure, healthier levels of cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels.
Horses particularly encourage spending time outdoors. Attending riding lessons offers the chance to make contact with other riders. Participating in a horseback riding program will help reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation.
Riding can be good exercise. You can achieve cardiovascular advantages through an intensive riding lesson. Riding, caring for and caring for riding equipment helps construct strength and endurance.
If you might be excited by trying an equine-assisted therapy program, speak to your doctor or therapist for a advice.