Equine Therapy Essay

Horses historically have provided significant value to man. In today's society horses have found a new value in that they are used in mental health therapy. Therapies range from youth afflicted with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, (ADHD, or ADD) to addressing a range of mental disorders of military personnel. People that have found solace, enjoyment, and relief from stress while riding horses is now being institutionalized by specific therapy to assist in the treatment of various mental illnesses. The following will provide a brief historical perspective, insight into the care and maintenance aspect of horses, and field observations on horse and related horsemanship therapy.
Horses were originally domesticated by early man to assist
“Research has confirmed the effectiveness of equine therapy, showing that it lowers blood pressure and heart rate, alleviates stress, and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. Equine therapy also helps people struggling with addictions and mental health disorders develop the following skills for healthy living”. (Vivo, Meghan) The benefits people receive from horses are tremendous as the help people stay healthy physically and
“As a result of prolonged drug use and isolation, many people with addictions and mental health issues are emotionally underdeveloped. They may have difficulty relating or getting close to other people, yet manage to establish close bonds with horses. Through working with horses, people recognize their conscious and unconscious patterns of interacting with others. Horses do not speak, but they are excellent communicators. Learning to understand horse behavior can help people learn how others function in the world and the way their behavior impacts others.”( Vivo, Meghan) Equine therapy is more than just riding a horse it involves everything building up to mounting the horse, grooming and saddling are a very important part of successfully building a bond between the rider and the horse which is what makes this therapy so unique and successful. “While riding can be part of equine therapy, the most important work happens during the interactions between client and horse, she says. Exercises as simple as haltering, leading and grooming teach people how to approach others with respect and awareness. In equine therapy, people talk about what they see and feel. Through