Since ancient times, horseback riding has been a common activity and pastime. Did you know that it is a fantastic method to be active and enjoy the outdoors as well as a type of treatment for people who experience anxiety? The advantages of horseback riding for anxiety will be discussed in this article along with the distinctions between hippotherapy and equine therapy, therapeutic riding, and whether the NDIS pays for equine therapy.
Riding a horse can be a therapeutic exercise with many psychological and physical advantages. The rider’s balance and posture must be kept in mind when on the horse, which might aid to divert their attention from worrying thoughts. Additionally, riding a horse can raise serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain, which can lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally pleasant and tranquil, the horse’s rhythmic movement can aid in lowering stress levels.
Additionally, horseback riding can be a social activity, which is advantageous for people with social anxiety. A terrific method to make new friends and connect with people who share your passion for horses is through riding classes and trail rides. The relationship a rider has with their horse can also be therapeutic since it fosters friendship and unwavering affection. Comparison of equine therapy and hippotherapy Although the phrases hippotherapy and equine therapy are sometimes used synonymously, they actually relate to separate therapeutic modalities. Hippotherapy is a type of physical therapy that makes use of a horse’s movement to enhance coordination, balance, and muscle strength. Hippotherapy places more emphasis on the physical than the emotional advantages of horseback riding.
The focus of equine therapy, on the other hand, is on emotional and mental health. It entails working with a certified therapist who employs horse interactions to assist clients in resolving emotional and behavioral problems. Anxiety, sadness, PTSD, and addiction are just a few of the mental health disorders that can be treated with equine therapy.
Comparing therapeutic riding and hippotherapy Another phrase that is frequently used synonymously with hippotherapy is therapeutic riding, however it actually refers to a different kind of therapy. For people with disabilities, there is a type of horseback riding called therapeutic riding. Therapeutic riding focuses on assisting riders in achieving certain physical, mental, or behavioral objectives. Instructors in therapeutic riding have received training in working with people who have a range of disabilities, including mental, physical, and emotional impairments.
Australians with disabilities can access services and support thanks to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), a program that offers financial help. Although the NDIS does not officially finance equine therapy, people with disabilities may be able to get money for therapeutic riding or hippotherapy through the program. To find out what services and supports are available to them, anyone interested in using the NDIS to obtain equine therapy can contact with their NDIS planner.
Riding a horse can be a therapeutic exercise that has many psychological and physical advantages, including easing anxiety symptoms. Equine therapy and hippotherapy are two separate types of therapy that work with horse interactions to accomplish particular aims. For people with disabilities, there is a type of horseback riding called therapeutic riding. Although the NDIS does not officially finance equine therapy, people may be able to use the program to get financing for therapeutic riding or hippotherapy.