Recently, I realized had quite a bit of free time. I’m really not a huge animal person, but for some reason I decided to volunteer on a farm, and now I can say joining that farm is one of the best decisions I’ve made! My farm is one of the few that is used as a center for equine therapy. Many people, including veterans who have suffered from problems such as PTSD, or handicapped patients who need physical therapy, come to the farm and get this treatment by riding the horses there. I think equine therapy is such a great practice, and I love being a part of the farm that supports it.
Horses have been used for therapy ever since the ancient Greeks, for people who seemed to have extremely bad or incurable illnesses. It was like a panacea for any disease that they did not know enough about at the time. The earliest recorded mention is in the writings of Hippocrates who discussed the therapeutic value of riding. The claimed benefits of therapeutic riding have been dated back to 17th century literature where it is documented that it was prescribed for gout, neurological disorder and low morale.
Equine therapy has numerous benefits, physical and mental. Horses are really similar to humans, and getting to bond with them is such a great experience. Horses are very sensitive and respond well to their patients. This builds self-confidence, self-respect, and is a low stress social interaction. A horse can actually be easier to be friends with than humans! Many times people who experience mental disorders feel uncomfortable during some other types of therapy, but when they are with such loving animals, it doesn't even feel like therapy! More like a beautiful day on a farm with some loyal friends!
Physically, equine therapy helps in numerous ways. The movement of the horse affects a rider's posture, balance, coordination, strength and sensorimotor systems. It is thought that the warmth and shape of the horse and its rhythmic, three-dimensional movement along with the rider's interactions with the horse and responses to the movement of the horse can improve the flexibility, posture, balance and mobility of the rider. Kids with problems such as cerebral palsy can benefit from horse riding as it helps them develop strength.
During my time at the farm, I see the difference that equine therapy makes in the patients. No matter what his or her background, every single patient loves to be with the horses. I usually work in the barn stalls helping with the chores or as a side-walker, and guide the horses while the patients are on them. I love naturalistic approaches to medicine and healthcare, and I look forward to helping this farm continue this amazing equine therapy program.
