The Horse as a co-therapist (Equine Therapy)

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Therapy with Horses? Equine Therapy

In daily life, there may be economic, family, work, conjugal, and health difficulties, as well as many others. Given these drawbacks, we have two options waver or seek solutions. In this sense, I have great news for you. Nature through its plants, elements, animals, etc., offers us a range of opportunities to address or improve these problems. Here is the reason for the horse in this delivery.

Focusing therapy with animals, there is a mammal, herbivore, large, imposing, long and arched neck, populated by long braids, scientifically named: Equus ferus caballus, but we all know simply as the horse.

Appreciated horse utilities

The horse, besides being used as a means of transport or for competitions, can be a great complementary therapist. This does not mean replacing other treatments. It has proven its multiple benefits. It is said that Hippocrates (father of medicine), approximately 460 a.C. recommended riding, to improve the mood of those who could not be cured.

This type of therapy is called hippotherapy, equine therapy or equestrian assisted therapy. It is used by some health professionals (psychiatrists, physiatrists, physiotherapists) with the purpose of contributing to neuromuscular, psychological, cognitive and social rehabilitation. At any age, in children, adolescents as well as adults, the horse is used as a therapeutic tool.

Equine therapy

According to experts, equine therapy is a comprehensive therapy recommended for people with intellectual or physical disabilities. In the case of physical disability, the riding plan will be further developed; and in the case of intellectual disabilities in providing positive stimuli.

Salamanca Association of Equine Therapy (ASADE), says that the effects of the horse in people with any type of disability are so positive that they show small advances in this condition. The therapy favors independence, security, mobility and balance.

The horse contributes its body heat (between 37 ° and 38 ° C), which is higher than that of the human being (between 35 and 37 ° C). This allows the relaxation of the musculature and the ligaments. In addition, the rhythmic impulse transmitted by this beautiful animal in its way of walking or jogging benefits the muscles contract to give tone to the muscles. The latter is positive for balance and stability of the trunk and head.

ASADE therapists warn that as the horse’s walk is almost equal to that of the human being. Therefore, equine therapy exercises three-dimensional locomotion because, when a person with disabilities can not walk or walk with difficulty, when riding on the horse, the brain understands at the same pace as if it were walking. This process, with time and practice, is recorded in the neurons. In this way the patient is getting the stability of the hip and the balance above the quadruped.

Which aspects can be treated through Equine Therapy using the horse as a co-therapist?

In this order of ideas, therapy with horses is very useful, in addition to the benefits mentioned above, there are many other reasons to support it, as it helps:

Control emotions, providing confidence and self-confidence.
Encourages stress control
Encourages group work, enhancing management skills and leadership.
Contributes to improve empathy.
It favors the patient’s relationship with other people outside their social, work or school and family circle.
Increase love, respect and care for animals.
It reinforces values such as responsibility, companionship, friendship.
Stimulates cognitive development and memory.
Encourages non-verbal communication.

Finally, if you want to use this type of alternative therapy, the advice of trained personnel is recommended so that it does not produce counterproductive effects. It is necessary to clearly identify the problem that is to be improved, corrected or mitigated; without neglecting the preparation, brushing, hygiene, control, horse feeding.