Equine Assisted Therapies

Therapeutic horseback riding is for individuals with a range of physical, emotional, cognitive, and social special needs. There are several different kinds of programs that utilize horses and horseback riding for therapeutic benefits. Equine-assisted activities, including therapeutic riding, driving, and vaulting are not "therapy" but are sport and recreational activities that have therapeutic value. Therapeutic riding is usually most effective in children because of the nature of mental, and social development. However, equine-assisted activities produce very favorable improvements in riders of all ages.

The Benefits of Therapeutic Riding:

The benefits of riding as both physical and developmental therapy are widely accepted in Europe and elsewhere in North America. The physical benefits of riding take place as the movement of the horse is transferred in to the passive body of the rider. The three dimensional swinging gait of the horse causes the riders pelvis, trunk and shoulder girdle to react in ways very similar to those of a natural human walking gait. The gentle movement of the horse stimulates a natural instinct for the riders to balance themselves and maintain good posture. The riders typically go through a series of exercises that help to reduce spasticity, increase strength, coordination, flexibility and muscle control. Imagine the feeling of riding a horse for someone usually confined to a wheelchair.

Cognitively the riders develop their memory, their ability to concentrate, communication skills, the ability to plan and problem solve. As the rider's skills develop their self-esteem and confidence increases and they are encouraged to set higher goals for themselves. They are thrilled when they realize they can manoeuvre their horse through obstacle courses and compete in the games, races and activities during the riding lessons. The riders experience success and accomplishment which transfers into other areas of their lives as they realize they are capable of achieving challenging new goals.

The benefits of this unique holistic therapy include:
    * * increased balance, coordination, flexibility, mobility, circulation and respiration
    * * strengthened muscles and normalization of muscle tone
    * * prevention of contractures
    * * increased attention span and memory
    * * building the rider's confidence, independence and self-esteem
    * * responsibility, caring and love of horses

Who is eligible for lessons?

Therapeutic riding lessons are available to those who are physically and/or developmentally handicapped, or at risk for developmental delay. Riders must obtain a doctor's referral and the following disabilities will be considered:

    * * amputation       
    * * arthritis
    * * cerebral palsy
    * * multiple sclerosis
    * * muscular dystrophy
    * * poliomyelitis
    * * spina bifida
    * * spinal cord injury
    * * traumatic brain damage
    * * visual impairment
    * * autism
    * * developmental delay
    * * Down Syndrome
    * * hearing and speech impairment
    * * hyper-activity
    * * attention-deficit disorder
    * * learning disabilities

 







Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)

What is EAP? Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) incorporates horses experientially for emotional growth and learning.  It is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional working with the clients and horses to address treatment goals. Because of its intensity and effectiveness, it is considered a short-term, or "brief" approach.

 

EAP is experiential in nature. This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns. This approach has been compared to the ropes courses used by therapists, treatment facilities, and human development courses around the world. But EAP has the added advantage of utilizing horses, dynamic and powerful living beings.

 

Not all programs or individuals who use horses practice Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. For one, licensed clinical professionals need to be involved for it to be considered "psychotherapy". The focus of EAP is not riding or horsemanship.  The focus of EAP involves setting up ground activities involving the horses which will require the client or group to apply certain skills. Non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem-solving, leadership, work, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence, and attitude are several examples of the tools utilized and developed by EAP.

 

EAP is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families, and groups. EAP addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs.

 

Heartland is working on its NAHRA certification and has a certified NAHRA instructor working with Heartland to get this done.