Page 67 - November 2016

Continuing research adds to the evidence that working with animals, and horses in particular, can benefit humans.
puts his head down and looks you in the eyes
is an amazing feeling, especially for someone who is in physical or emotional turmoil. Horses seem to sense that, understand it, and take care of people.”
Equine therapy is gaining popularity in other countries as well. In a 2012 article, The Guardian in the United Kingdom spoke with Gabrielle Gardner, a therapy counselor who worked with Shine For Life, an organization which had equine therapy sessions with all types of clients ranging from autistics to recov- ering addicts to young criminal offenders.
“It’s especially good for people who don’t take to talking therapies,” Gardner said in the article. “Counseling is not ‘one size fits all’. While you might forget a conversation you had with your counselor a few weeks on, it’s unlikely you’ll forget what happened when you stood in
a field with your counselor and a horse. It’s not like patting a dog; it’s a big animal.”
That same article identified a charity in Scotland, called HorseBack UK, which used equine therapy to help injured and traumatized members of the military in that country.
There is still plenty of scientific research that needs to be done to prove the benefits of equine therapy and, as a result, make it more accessible to more people. A 2012 report by the HRRF indicated less than 15 studies deemed scientifically valid had been performed on the psychological effects on humans of horseback riding or equine therapy. As a result, to this day, the HRRF continues to strive to promote and fund research to explore the benefits of equine therapy.
As this research builds, it will only create more opportunities later in life for retired racehorses.
Equine therapy requires a licensed therapist and horse professional to work with the patient and horse to achieve treatment goals.
The effects of equine therapy on youth, autistic individuals, and those with post-traumatic stress show significant improvement in the ability to cope with feelings, better communication skills, and a greater sense of trust.
Those who undergo equine therapy have reported reduced feelings of aggression, greater empathy, and an improved capacity to learn.
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