Horses and humans have long had a very special connection – throughout the ages, horses have been a big part of human civilisation and the connection can be seen in art that dates back from prehistoric times, in the form of cave paintings to modern day art like these bronze horse sculptures https://www.gillparker.com/bronze-horse-sculptures-limited-edition-to-buy/
Although now we have technology that has taken on many of the roles of horses throughout history, the emotional connection that human beings have with horses is still strong and this is why equine therapy is something that can be so beneficial to people.
Equine therapy can be used to support people with mental health conditions, as well as to help people with physical rehabilitation, such as people recovering from an accident or an illness. Horses are sensitive creatures, and they are able to respond to human emotions. Their non judgemental and empathic nature makes them excellent therapists, especially for people who suffer from anxiety or who struggle with communication.
There are lots of issues that horses providing equine therapy can help with. Sessions will be led by a professional who is qualified in this type of therapy and the people who are receiving the therapy may take part in a wide range of activities with the horse, such as grooming and caring for it, riding it, or simply spending time with the horse.
For children and teenagers who may struggle with communication and feelings that they find difficult, having therapy with a human may not be as effective as equine therapy, or the two may be used in combination to enable trust to be built and to help the person to open up emotionally. There is a lot of positive benefit in the presence of a calm and emotionally intuitive animal presence in the life of a young person who is struggling with their feelings.
Equine therapy is also beneficial to adults – it has been proven to be effective for a wide range of issues, from army veterans suffering from PTSD to people who are trying to overcome addiction.
If equine therapy is something that you are considering for yourself or a loved one, it is important to do your research and to find a reputable centre with experience in the issues that you want to have help with.