Welcome to Equine Therapy

A Horse Is A Horse Is A . . . Therapist?

Troubled teens nationwide are reaping the psychological and emotional benefits of "equine therapy," namely, the use of horses to help treat a variety of physical and psychological problems. Equine therapy programs are now widely used in residential treatment settings, as a component of outpatient therapy, or in gang-intervention programs and a growing body of evidence shows that horses have a lot to offer humans.

Equine therapy is practiced in most countries in the world. Originally used to help people recover from traumatic injuries, it became widely used as a therapeutic tool for the physically handicapped. Most recently, equine therapy has become accepted as a useful tool in treating a wide variety of psychological and mental disorders.

There are many physiological and psychological benefits documented in people during interactions with animals. These include lowered blood pressure and heart rate, increased beta-endorphin levels, decreased stress levels, reduced feelings of anger, hostility, tension and anxiety, improved social functioning, and increased feelings of empowerment, trust, patience and self-esteem.

Therapists say that young people who ordinarily shun physical and emotional closeness with other people can often accept it from a horse. The child-horse bond can develop mutual trust, respect, affection, empathy, unconditional acceptance, confidence, responsibility, assertiveness, communication skills and self-control. Effective communication with a horse involves patience, understanding, attention, forgiveness and consistency - abilities that any young person will find useful throughout their life.

Success stories abound. The January 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association included a study of the effects of a therapeutic riding program on at-risk and special education children. The results showed that an eight session therapeutic riding program significantly decreased anger in adolescent boys in a special education program and positively affect their mothers' perception of the boys' behavior.

The mother of an 8-year-old, whose psychotherapist recommended equine therapy for her mood disorder, said her daughter is noticeably happier and calmer for several days after her weekly ride.

In Arizona, a residential treatment facility for young girls suffering from eating disorders was featured on the television program Inside Edition. The facility's equine therapy program was credited with helping numerous young girls who had not had success with more conventional treatments.

Horses can also help keep kids out of gangs. A volunteer organization in a Philadelphia inner-city neighborhood has at-risk youth playing polo. Yes, the "sport of kings" is now played by neighborhood kids who might otherwise be spending their time hanging out on street corners or selling drugs. In this program, the youth exchange work at the stables for riding time. In order to play on the polo team, they must maintain a "C" average and attend all practices. They develop leadership and sportsmanship and gain a sense of self-respect.

Meanwhile, in Compton, a crime-ridden neighborhood in the heart of South Central Los Angeles, a youth equestrian club called the Compton Junior Posse has youth from ages five to 17 competing in amateur riding events throughout Southern California. In this part of town, it is harder to stay out of a gang than to join one. In order to ride, children must show their report cards to prove they are attending school. They clean the stables and groom the horses themselves.

Equine therapy is now an integral part of numerous treatment programs for young people suffering from addictions, anxiety, depression, mood disorders and other psychological problems. It is also known as "therapeutic riding," but keep in mind that it is not enough to just put a child on a horse. Many horses do not have the appropriate temperament to work with teens or young people. Make sure to look for a program where the therapists are specifically trained in equine therapy and the treatment program involves more than just riding lessons - some of the greatest benefits come from the simplest acts of grooming and caring for the horses.