Talking About Horses: Therapy Horses

Therapy Horses Serve Physically and Emotionally Challenged continued
Part 2

Emotional and mental disorders

Horses react well to people who are quiet and make requests of them—as opposed to demanding something of them. This makes them great for working with children with a variety of behavioral issues. Children, and adults, can learn that they can get this immense animal to do what they want, by behaving in a calm and direct way.

Horses also look for a leader…someone who can give clear and simple commands…with a little training people with emotional and mental disorders can give the appropriate commands and quickly see results. The focus for this therapy is not on behavior modification but on communication skills, self-confidence, trust and discipline.


Physical challenges

Getting on a horse provides a lot of benefits for people with physical difficulties. The swaying motion frontwards, backwards and side to side that is inherent in horseback riding has a rhythm that all by itself seems to be beneficial. Children are able to focus more.

This motion also exercises muscles that might not otherwise get exercise. This gives strength and control over the body—especially the core and the legs. Parents often report that children with severe physical challenges are able to move more and have more control when they are out of the saddle as well.

Besides their warm nature, horses also a variety of textures—providing sensory stimulation just by touching the mane or tail, then the neck or body of the horse…and feeling the soft nose.

Therapy horses provide a unique way for horses to promote healing for many different challenges. When combined with trainers at an accredited facility, horse therapy can build social skills, increase muscle strength, improve motor skills, provide physical freedom and build confidence…all in a safe manner that is tailored to the individual.


Let me point you to the Twitter Twibe Horse group.
There is a direct link on the right side of the blog page.

Many of the Twibes Horses group members have organizations that use horses in therapy.

Join us as we twitter about horses.

Terry
Himalayan Horse Salt