Horse Therapy for People with Disabilities

Horse therapy, also known as Equine Assisted Therapy, can be a life-changing experience for people with disabilities. Equine Assisted therapy encompasses a range of treatments that involves activities with horses to encourage physical and mental health. 

According to an article in the International Journal of Clinical Health and Psychology, there are a few reasons horses are a powerful tool in therapeutic programs.

In the article, it discusses the power and mystery of horses. “Horses have a powerful stature and have intrigued people for many years. For decades now, horses have been used for animal therapy for disabled people. Horses are keenly aware of emotional energies; they can sense what we are feeling. We may be able to hide our feelings from other people, but horses cannot be fooled. Horses sense emotions that lurk beneath the surface of our awareness and mirror them back to us.”  

The therapy consists of treatment sessions on horseback by a physical or occupational therapist. If you are permanently disabled and cannot mount, squeeze, or direct the horse, you can still receive help from this therapy.

A horse adjusts itself to accommodate the rider’s weaknesses and strengths. Horses can create movement and connection that is unique to each rider. A horse’s walk is like how humans walk. When people are temporarily disabled and ride a horse, it can help remind them of how it felt when they could walk, which can help them mentally learn to walk again.

If you have a permanent physical disability, your core strengthening, balance, and fine motor skills will all show signs of improvement.

The psychological benefits of horse therapy include improved confidence and self-esteem. Horse therapy holds immense promise of therapeutic benefit when used in conjunction with other therapy techniques.

Although many people believe in the benefits of equine-assisted therapy, the American Medical Association has not confirmed this as a sole treatment. Therefore, it is best to include other treatments plans with equine-assisted therapy.

At Next Day Access, we are happy to offer information on many resources for people with accessibility and mobility issues. We also have a variety of products to make your home as comfortable and safe as possible so you can continue independent living. If you need accessibility devices or mobility equipment, we have you covered. Contact us today to schedule a free in-home evaluation.