{"id":4142,"date":"2024-03-12T07:49:30","date_gmt":"2024-03-12T06:49:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/amatesting.uk\/twilightrecoverycenter\/equine-therapy\/"},"modified":"2024-03-12T07:49:30","modified_gmt":"2024-03-12T06:49:30","slug":"equine-therapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/amatesting.uk\/twilightrecoverycenter\/equine-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"EQUINE THERAPY AS A TREATMENT FOR MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS"},"content":{"rendered":"
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For many centuries, animals have been shown to positively impact human health and functioning through direct human-animal contact<\/a>. Nowadays, there are service animal programs and a broad range of animal-assisted therapies (AAT) used for treating physical and mental health disorders.<\/p>\n

Equine therapy is one of the most commonly used forms of AAT for the treatment of diseases affecting mental health. This does not come as a surprise. Literature from the 17th century indicates that riding horses was used to treat neurological diseases. Even Hippocrates, the father of medicine, talked about riding and healing.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>WHAT IS EQUINE THERAPY?<\/span><\/h2>\n

In equine-assisted therapy (EAT) horses are incorporated into the therapeutic process and play an essential role in\u00a0recovery<\/a>. An\u00a0article<\/a>\u00a0by the\u00a0International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health\u00a0<\/em>defines equine therapy as an interaction between horse and patient to promote physical and mental health, social functioning, and learning. <\/p>\n

The activity must be led by a certified equine therapist. The aim is to support and improve the participant\u2019s bodily, cognitive, and psychological functions.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>HOW DOES EQUINE THERAPY WORK?<\/span><\/h2>\n

EAT can help people overcome many physical challenges and psychological disorders. Equine therapy can be different for each individual. The method used will depend on the individual\u2019s needs, type of health struggles, and end goals. <\/p>\n

However, all therapy methods have something in common: they promote a deeper connection with oneself, one\u2019s senses, the outside world, and others. The following are some of the different types of\u00a0equine therapy<\/a>:<\/p>\n

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<\/span>EQUINE-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY<\/span><\/h3>\n

The client will work alongside an equine therapist to improve mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Considered a form of \u201ctalk therapy,\u201d they will be able to ride or work with horses using all of their senses and the environment to connect with their thoughts and emotions.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>EQUINE-ASSISTED LEARNING<\/span><\/h3>\n

With this form of therapy, the focus is on improving communication skills, confidence, self-control, and self-awareness through the interaction between horse and patient. The horse and therapist will help teach the client safety, respect, boundaries, trust, responsibility, and other life skills.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>THERAPEUTIC RIDING<\/span><\/h3>\n

A certified therapeutic riding instructor is required for this type of therapy. There is evidence that it helps improve confidence, self-esteem, self-confidence, and trauma healing.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>HIPPOTHERAPY<\/span><\/h3>\n

The client will sit or lay on the horse while a licensed physical, speech, or occupational therapist ensures safety. The movements help improve postural balance, core strength, trunk stability, coordination, and neuromuscular disorders.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>ADVANTAGES OF EQUINE-ASSISTED THERAPY<\/span><\/h2>\n

The various forms of EAT show positively affect physical, cognitive, psychological, and social functions. The combination of equine therapy with other typical therapy methods provides better results than regular therapy alone. <\/p>\n

Since attachments form between people and animals, this type of therapy stimulates the development of diverse abilities. Interacting with the horse can help with balance, coordination, fitness, memory, self-confidence, mood, patience, how one treats themselves and others, behavioral problems, and more.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>UNIQUE TRAITS<\/span><\/h3>\n

These specific traits are unique to horses and make EAT stand out from regular forms of therapy and other AATs:<\/p>\n