Our community is on the forefront of many unconventional therapies. But one I have often wondered about is equine therapy. Horses keep showing up in the media as a wonderful way to help children with all types of disabilities, including sensory processing disorder.
We want to hear from you if you’ve tried equine therapy! Did it help your child? What type of differences did you notice? Please tell us.
Equine portfolio – siobhan and blue (Photo credit: equinelovexo)
Study Suggests that Equine Therapy is Effective
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01/25/2013 at 10:35 am
my son is 7 and goes to equine therapy as much as he is able to. He loves it.
01/28/2013 at 9:07 am
That is so good to know! There’s a program near us and I have been wondering about it.
01/25/2013 at 4:47 pm
There are ever all articles available about the benefits of hippotherapy and therapeutic horsemanship from within the scientific community… The American Physical Therapy Association’s Section on Pediatrics monthly journal had a few as recently as a few months ago. Definitely worth the read when making a decision about either of these strategies.
01/28/2013 at 9:08 am
Thanks for the tip to me and our community
01/26/2013 at 4:18 pm
In working with clients with cerebral palsy, I was able to achieve remarkably better results when seeing them directly after equine therapy.
At a different time, I treated a 9 year old girl witlh cp, alternating treatments of equine therapy, myofascial release, and neurodevelopmental treatment. Within 6 months she was able to sit independently, something she had been unable to do despite years of excellent clinic-based therapy.
01/28/2013 at 9:09 am
The more I hear about equine therapy the more surprised I am that there hasn’t been more discussion about it!
01/26/2013 at 9:14 pm
I was recently in a car accident. Not badly hurt but my right/left brain function was compromised due to a few bumps. After weeks of acupuncture, chiropractic and energy work I had an hour session just riding (walking very slowly) around an arena bareback. The horse seemed to know my brain and body were not so well connected. He was very patient and gentle with me. After the hour my mind was more balanced and clear and I felt reconnected to my body again. My lower spine which was previously lock up totally relaxed from the movement of the horse.
I’ve had so many amazing experiences with equine healing. Just being with them changes so much.
I used to volunteer at an equine assisted therapy retreat for disabled children where they would put people with muscular dystrophy, autism, etc on horses with safety people on both sides. After an hour session all arm and leg cramping was gone. The children limbs were long and supple. And the ease and smiles they shared from being with the horses was heartwarming.
02/05/2013 at 10:26 am
Thanks for sharing your story and insight.
01/28/2013 at 9:10 am
I do believe that animals are able to read how we are feeling. Even our family dog knows when one of us needs some extra loving because we’re having a bad day. I have to imagine that a horse would be able to read us as well. It’s too bad there aren’t more programs covered by insurance out there.
01/31/2013 at 1:45 am
This is so true. Horses are great for people with special needs.
01/31/2013 at 2:55 pm
great pic!