Equine therapy, usually referred to as equine-assisted therapy, is a sort of treatment in which people and horses interact. In recent years, this kind of therapy has become increasingly popular, especially for the treatment of trauma. But can equine therapy actually aid in the recovery of trauma victims? Let’s look more closely. Who Established Horse Therapy?
It’s not a new idea to employ horses for therapy. In actuality, it has existed for ages. The ancient Greeks embraced horseback riding as a kind of physical treatment because they understood its therapeutic advantages. Due to their belief that horses have a soul that may help people connect with nature and their inner selves, Native Americans also used horses in their healing rituals. Who Was the Inventor of Equine-Assisted Therapy?
The concept of equine-assisted therapy as we know it now was created in the 1960s by Danish equestrian Liz Hartel. Polio victim Hartel had lost the use of her legs. She was able to restore mobility and even compete in the Olympics with the aid of her horse, Jubilee. Others were motivated by her achievement to investigate the therapeutic potential of horses.
Equine-assisted therapy was given additional structure in the 1990s with the creation of groups like the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) and the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA). These groups established guidelines for equine therapy programs and gave therapists, educators, and horses training. How Much Time Is Needed to Train a Therapy Horse?
It requires time and commitment to train a therapy horse. The average preparation period for a horse for therapy work is several months to a year. The horse needs to be accustomed to being around people and well-versed in the fundamentals of riding. Therapy horses need to be capable of handling a range of scenarios while maintaining their composure and patience at all times.
Not every horse is suited for therapeutic riding. Equine therapy horses need to be patient, kind, and relaxed around people. Additionally, they must be physically fit and unaffected by any illnesses. Inquire about the training and certification requirements from a local equine therapy program if you believe your horse could make a good candidate for therapy work.
I’ll get to the major point now: Is horse therapy effective for trauma? Yes, equine therapy can be a successful strategy for healing from trauma. Horses are the perfect therapy partners because they have a natural capacity to recognize and react to human emotions. Equine therapy can assist trauma sufferers in gaining self-confidence, trust, and new coping mechanisms. Additionally, it can bring about a sensation of ease and relaxation, which is very advantageous for people who experience stress and worry.
Equine therapy is a potential strategy for healing from trauma, to sum up. Trauma survivors can learn to heal and move on with the aid of a well-trained therapy horse and an experienced therapist.
Due to the fact that it is seen as an alternative or supplemental therapy, Medicare often does not cover equine therapy. However, if it is deemed medically necessary and prescribed by a healthcare professional, some private insurance policies might cover it. It is advisable to constantly confirm what services are covered with your insurance company.