EQUINE THERAPIES
In around 2006 I experienced an Equestrian Assisted Physiotherapy session with about ten at risk teen boys with Tina Williams and Sidney McGill in St. Ann’s bay and decided I just had to do this. In about 2008 I went to Florida and took the EGALA Course and got certified at the course 1 level. For the last 5 years I have been holding summer camps and weekend sessions where we have been implementing these programs with At Risk teens and children from the inner city.
Marguerite Phillips
Three types of therapy using the horse:
Hippotherapy.
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Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
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Therapeutic Riding and Animal Husbandry, otherwise known as EQUINISIM
Hippotherapy comes from the Greek roots hippo, for horse, thus meaning ‘Therapy with the help of a horse’. The horse’s gait enables the therapist to grade the degree of input to the patient and use this movement in combination with other treatment strategies to achieve desired therapy goals or functional outcomes. Hippotherapy is used largely with client(s) with neuro-muscular- skeletal conditions, and is a therapy used by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists along with a horse specialist. This therapy is directed towards clients who are autistic, physically impaired, mentally challenged etc.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is a mental health treatment. It involves setting up activities with the horses which will require the client or group to apply certain skills. It is a collaborated effort between a licensed/trained therapist and a horse professional, working with the client(s) and horses to address treatment goals.
Therapeutic Riding and Animal Husbandry, otherwise known as Equinism. Therapeutic horseback riding is equine-based therapy used to improve the balance: coordination, focus, independence, confidence, motor and social skills. Therapeutic riding is beneficial to children and adults who present with any of a wide range of cognitive, physical, emotional and behavioral conditions. Building a relationship with an animal can be very rewarding. Gaining the trust and loyalty of an animal builds confidence and a new language skill in the student which is then extended to their personal relationships.
It is our inbuilt nature to need and to want
to give Love, to reproduce and to consider
and to be considered (to receive and give
kindness and touch) By being taught to
take care of an animal using these
languages, students who have learned to
suppress, and turn inwardly or have
become abusive or disrespectful, soon begin to transform when they see how responsive the horses become to them when they give to the horses the same emotions they themselves hunger after.
THE RATIONALE BEHIND EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPIES & THERAPEUTIC RIDING AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
Equine Assisted Learning is an opportunity for participants to partner with horses to facilitate the learning and growth process. Whether or not we are ready to hear
it, horses reflect back to us exactly what we need to improve as leaders, communicators and team members.
The great thing about horses is that they are so large, powerful and sensitive, and are totally dependent on their quick reaction to danger or threats (fight or flee) for survival. A wrong approach from a client/student will most definitely earn a bad result, usually with the client/student coming out in the second place. A horse can inflict great pain with very little effort if treated incorrectly or even innocently by merely stepping on someone’s foot in error. The sheer size and power of this majestic animal automatically instills fear in our client(s) to start with, but as the client(s) are taught how to get the respect and trust of the horse, confidence and self-esteem is built. As the client(s) grown in these positive attributes, the client(s) can then be taught to take these lessens home and lean to transform their homes and communities.
1. It is effective
Equine Assisted therapy creates interactive sessions with horses that allow people and professionals to “see” where the problems are and find ways to solve them. In the sessions, the focus is on doing, being active in the moment, and finding solutions that provide faster, more permanent change. It is effective for people of all ages and conditions.
2. Uncovers the REAL person, quickly
Through experiential activities, Equine Assisted therapy helps you to immediately see how groups and individuals act and react to different situations, giving professionals a clearer picture of what they need to do to help.
3. Makes the Process More Engaging
Because Equine Assisted therapy is active and effective, the process is more engaging for both professionals and the people involved. Once a horse enters the equation, everyone is instantly attentive and engaged in the process.
4. Gets People Past the Sticking Points
Everyone can hit a wall and remain stuck in old patterns and attitudes. Equine Assisted therapy can help one get out of the rut and back on track.
5. Great for Individuals and Groups
Whether working with individuals or groups, the horses provide powerful opportunities to address social skills, communication issues, and other dynamics necessary for healthy, and meaningful relationships.
6. Provides Real Solutions
When participating in Equine Assisted therapy everyone is excited by the process. Whether used for gaining insight, self-confidence, learning appropriate communication and relationship skills, or other issues, people find the time with the horses to be meaningful, and leading to real and long-lasting change.
7. Translates into human relationships
Equine assisted therapy is directly transferable to humans because participants learn and practice skills. The skills learned are relational skills because life happens in relationship, whether those relationships are boss/employee, teacher/student, leader/group. It does not affect the value of the skill if it is initially learned from and practiced with horse partners and it is often easier to risk more of ourselves when we are not faced with the judgment of others.