Horses are Healing Therapy Friends
Horses are Healing Therapy Friends
Horses are therapeutic friends and have been used since ancient times. Did you know mini-horses even qualify as service animals? Horse therapy breaks down barriers, calms your mind, reduces stress, and boosts confidence. And if you ride you'll improve strength & balance. Embrace new healing possibilities.
Horses Healing Since Ancient Times
Did you know that horses were partnered with humans for therapy & healing and written about by Hippocrates the ancient Greek physician between 460-375 B.C.? That's over 2,400 years ago. It's also noted in the 1600's that physicians utilized horse therapy to help heal physical & mental illnesses.
You don't need to have a trained equine therapist to gain the benefits of having a horse as your special friend. Just having a trusting relationship with them, talking to them, brushing, and walking them has many health benefits. If you like riding, you'll see more improvements in overall health. I can personally say that horses have helped me heal from stress and mental & emotional burnout.
In 2011, a new provision recognizes miniature horses as a service animal in the Americans With Disability Act regulations. Mini's as they're called, are included because horses are very intelligent & intuitive animals, and they're close in size to large dogs and can easily get around inside a home or public place.
A Common Problem Horses Can Heal
FYI: The survey statistics in the USA over the past several years are SCARY -- 83% of working adults report experiencing stress at their workplace. In 2023, 1 out of 5 people have taken time off from work due to poor mental health from stress. In 2020, 49% say that work stress has affected their behavior in a negative way. And a whopping 76% say they don't get good sleep because of work stress.
That was totally me and stress was my big problem when I first started volunteering at a therapeutic horse facility. I chose this non-profit horse facility because I love horses, dogs, and other adorable animals. Even though I've healed and feel like "me" again, I enjoy volunteering to help other and most definitely the continued calm & happiness that horses bring me.
I love all the horses at this therapy ranch, and encourage anyone to give it a try. Just like the special bonds you form with friends - horses can also form lasting bonds. They are amazing animals. Embrace new healing possibilities.
Why are Horses Therapeutic?
Horses can be great problem solvers. Give them opportunities to solve problems and watch them think, instead of training them to do everything. They learn very quickly if you give them clear direction.
Horses are great communicators - they can also read small movements in your body language and facial expressions. They communicate to you using body language, vocalization, head, ear, and tail movements, and facial expressions.
Horses can feel & understand - they feel your emotions like anger, anxiety, and sadness. They can also feel lonely, the emotional trauma of abuse, and get depressed just like we can.
Horses are intuitive and want to comfort those who are emotionally hurt, and protect those who are physical hurt as well as kids & fragile seniors.
Horses adapt quickly and can adjust their style of communication depending on the person or situation.
In the wild, horses are prey animals so they’re concerned with survival & safety. This is why they need to learn & adapt quickly, problem solve, and communicate efficiently. In a herd, no matter if it's 2 or 20, you'll see the dominant horse communicating with other horses to move out of the way, stay put, or wait your turn.
Since horses have similar social behaviors as we do, it's easy for us to connect with them. You may see them mimicking your movements or feelings. This non-judgmental form of communication puts you at ease and helps you realize that horses can understand your feelings. They're amazing listeners & companions.
As humans, we need to be sensitive to what the horse is trying to communicate with us. Remember: each horse is different and some are better at certain things than others. It’s also possible your horse is experiencing pain, or doesn’t easily trust humans because of their abusive past. Be patient with them - and you’ll gain so much more from them.
Horses Help Heal the Whole Person
FYI: If you don't want riding lessons, ask about volunteering. You don't need to ride to experience healing. If you need therapeutic riding or non-riding lessons for a diagnosed condition, there's assistance programs that help with costs in the USA. Check federal, state, and local programs.
1. You'll experience healing for health conditions affecting your physical, mental, emotional, or developmental conditions - even if you choose the non-riding type of therapy.
2. Your upper & lower body muscles will be worked, as well as balance & mobility.
3. A horse with a big personality will engage & entertain you, and love and laughter are always great medicine.
4. By connecting with your horse, you become part of his/her family - and everyone needs to feel like they belong. Being outdoors in nature also provides added health benefits.
5. Connecting with a horse keeps you in the moment, which is calming and stress reducing.
6. Horses make good companions just like dogs - they're intuitive and sensitive. Talk with them, get to know them, and feel your troubles melt away giving you a sense of calm. Insecurities will disappear and confidence will grow.
7. If you spend consistent time with your horse friend, you'll begin to feel lighter and less burdened - maybe even get that pep in your step back. Animal friends are one of the best ways to hit the "refresh & recharge" button. And that's a big WIN in my book.
It's Easy to Connect With Horses
Therapeutic healing includes improvements in: physical strength, cognitive/mental functions, emotional health, confidence, independence, social skills, communication, trust, perspective, impulse control, and learning boundaries.
Therapeutic Riding
Anxiety, Stress, Depression
Stress is a leading health concern around the world due to a variety of causes. Anxiety however, develops from past experiences and/or future fears. It can be paralyzing & cause depression. Horses really help stress/anxiety conditions by calming your nervous system.
Mental Health & Behavioral Disorders
PTSD-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, ADHD-Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, autism, eating disorders, substance abuse, and others.
Horses are comforting, consistent, calming, and keep us focused on the present moment. Both horse & human can nurture each other.
Physical Health Conditions
Cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, spinal cord injury, head injury, arthritis, and more. Horse therapy has provided relief of some symptoms including pain allowing the person to live a better quality of life. Others are able to function as if healed completely.
Other Conditions Horses Can Heal
Trust & Social Skills
Since horses are very intuitive, they're in-tune with your mood. If you're genuine with them, they'll respond and start to trust you. As you begin to trust them, a true friendship is born. Horses provide unconditional love just like dogs. They don't judge our flaws or mistakes, but instead offer support and companionship. This allows humans to overcome past traumas, and for people who are socially shy, to build the confidence to interact socially and make new friends.
Children & Dependent Older Adults
Reading out loud to animals improves sharing & social skills. It also lessens behavioral problems & anxiety since animals are non-judgmental. Horse companions are there for you - and will just listen. Aging adults can find purpose again and feel needed. Caring for a horse like brushing also helps treat arthritis and encourages social connections.
Bottom Line: Horses are Therapy Friends
If having a pet doesn't fit into your lifestyle, well… no worries. Find a friend who has horses or dogs. Or, ask to volunteer at riding facilities, therapeutic ranches & animal shelters.
Weekly visits will bring about healing, happier moods, and less stress. You'll experience improvements in overall wellness.
Did you know that mini horses are also recognized as service animals according to the American's with Disability Act? Horses like dogs are very intelligent with the amazing ability to read & understand your emotions.
Plan your next health infusing mini-retreat by spending time with a special horse friend. It'll do wonders for you.
After learning all this, how could you not want a horse friend?