Equine Therapy Research Paper

I was astonished to find out that disabled people can greatly benefit from their therapeutic riding, even when outside of the arena. The idea of someone being with an animal to improve his or her people skills is intriguing. My research suggests that disabled riders may possibly gain better people skills and sensations by being with a horse, rather than talking with a sophisticated human being. In my research, I found that www.sire-htec.org had a great description of how a disabled person would feel on top of a horse. It stated, the horses “rhythmic movements help stiff or spastic muscles to relax, much like rocking soothes a crying baby” (“Benefits”). This information was very helpful when discussing the

If you’ve ever owned an animal, you know that being around them can be extremely therapeutic. After a stressful day at work or school, it is always nice to come home to your pet and feel comforted by them. Many dog owners even claim that their dogs can feel their pain. However, if you speak to anyone who has been spent their life around horses, they’ll tell you that the connection between horse and rider is unlike any other. Norwegian researcher Anita Maurstad explains in a recent article, that over time horse and rider can become so attuned to each other that they develop a state of co-being. Maurstad also found, through research, that horses appear to learn to relate to humans in ways that provide them with a good quality of life. A recent study from Washington State university has concluded that kids who work with horses have significantly lower stress levels. In addition to these, there have been numerous other studies that show that working with horses decreases blood pressure, reduced feelings of anger, tension, and anxiety. Riding horses also allows you to gain feelings of self esteem, empowerment, patience, and trust. Because of the overwhelming positive effects that horses seem to have, horses are no longer being used just for recreational or agricultural

I have met some very stubborn horses that years down the road I discovered had actually taught me so much more than any other horse ever would. That is what influenced me to take on the opportunity of buying and training a three-year-old unbroken arabian. He has come to teach me not only things about riding but also life-lessons. I have gained patience, trust and understanding from him. He is now six years old and despite the fact that some days I felt as if we would never get anywhere in our training he is now an excellent horse. Taking an animal that has never had a person on it before and making it completely calm and even excited to work with a person on it’s back is an incredible thing and I am happy to have been able to experience this.

Before we jump into the main question, let's jump back to where it all started. Horse therapy dates back to around 600 b.c when the greeks rode horses for therapy. Later, in around 1946 equine therapy then was introduced in Scandinavia. Which then led to the North Americans beginning the handicapped riding which started around 1969. They soon recognized that riding horses or just being

There is a trail down the road in Delaware where I enjoy taking my dog for a walk. It is a beautiful, five-mile loop traversing cornfields, thick patches of forest, steep hills and flowing streams; a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the suburban lifestyle and spend some time amongst the peacefulness of nature. It is not a complete escape, however, for I am not the only person that knows of the trail- it seems to also be a favorite of horseback riders. Often times I will encounter a rider or two at some point during my walk and, without fail, I will be in awe of the size and majesty of the horse. What an incredible, gentle beast it is. Standing next to a horse, you cannot help but gawk at the bulging, toned muscles and long, agile legs. It is truly an athlete with a rare combination of strength and speed. Yet, they are gentle and kind and have therefore been joined at the hip with humans; today, nearly all horses have been domesticated. So I find myself

I am the daughter of a livestock dealer. My father was an amazing wrangler and rancher. Throughout my life, we have bought and sold many horses--too many to count, and I have also sent my own fair share to the slaughter plants. As a young teen I had a horse we called Whino, he was a great horse for me when I was learning to ride and wanting to follow Dad around. There comes a time in a horse’s life when they are not capable of doing what they once were or that they become sore or crippled to lead a life with meaning or comfort. I was raised to understand life and death and that one will follow the other. I knew when we had

Equine Therapy is a proven treatment for PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety, and can help with self-esteem, trust, and communication issues. This alternative approach is a little different, veterans with PTSD don’t look at it like going there for treatment, they are going to help tame wild mustang horses. The beginning of this process they have earned the trust of the horse before they can even start to work with them. The same time it is helping the veteran is learning to trust again. As they are taming these horses over a twelve-week course, the veteran becomes aware and learns how to control their impulses. It is very important that the veteran controls their impulses because horses understand body language. If the veteran isn’t aware of their impulses, the horse might interrupt it wrong, and the veteran could be hurt. The veteran learns to be aware of their body language and others.

In the space of two years, Kristine Hewlett was thrown from her mare, Cher and broker her back both times. The accidents occurred while Hewlett was at her riding lesson on her mare, Cher when the horse suddenly spooked. After having such bad luck with her horse and both of her injuries Hewlett still vows to ride again. “She said, ‘I have thought long and hard about my future but I love horses and I want to carry on taking lessons.’”(Evans) Kristine Hewlett is so passionate about her love for horses that even after suffering not one but two broken back injuries she still vows to ride again. “But despite her second scare she has vowed to carry on riding.”(Evans) For most people one broken back would be enough to stop them from living their dreams but not Kristine Hewlett. Hewlett’s second broken back injury has made her even more determined to get back on and be successful. “Kristine Hewlett was flung from nine-year-old mare Cher in November and suffered a spinal fracture but she has vowed to ride again.”(Evans) Kristine Hewlett is very confident in her own ability to have a solid recovery and get back on. Though Kristine Hewlett has had her fair share of injustice she has overcome this injustice through passion, determination, and

The Ismael Pinto Association of Equine Therapy in Madrid summarizes principles and concepts relating to how equine therapy is beneficial. Horses transmit heat and rhythmic pulses from within their lumbar and ventral muscles that conduct

Equine-assisted therapy. The use of equine-assisted therapy has been proposed as a method for facilitating positive sensory experiences for children with autism. A doctoral dissertation by Stickney (2010) finds that “the consistent, rhythmic movement of the horse as well as its warmth, appearance, smell, and furry coat sends an array of sensory signals to the central nervous system, affecting motor, visual, proprioceptive, tactile, and vestibular systems that are necessary for development of motor control” (p. 33). Preliminary research studies indicate that the experience of riding a horse can improve motor function, posture, balance, and reaction time. This can encourage positive sensory experiences, which causes the brain to release chemicals

On observation, Chloe presented with limited knowledge and insight relating to equine and horsemanship skills. For example, she asked for a halter to assist with connecting to the horse and when provided with one, she was unable to independently place the halter on the horse’s head. She asked if the horses were wearing shoes, rather than investigating herself. On

Considering the advances in technology in the past decade, it is not difficult to see how technology will affect equine practice in the coming years (Ramey and Baus, 2012). Over the years, the reasons for keeping horses have changed. They are kept for various reasons and have become ever more popular in sports and recreation. The economic value of the equestrian sector stands at £4.3 billion of consumer spending across a wide range of goods and services each year. This has increased from £3.8 billion in 2011. (Beta-uk.org, 2017). Not only are the horses that are being kept for leisure purposes, but also those employed for sport being sold on due to undesirable behaviours. Ridden behaviour problems are prevalent in the UK leisure horse population

Horseback riding refers to an individual sitting on the back of a horse and controlling its movements. Also, horseback riding is used for working purposes, transportation, recreational activities, artistic or cultural exercises, and competitive sport. With Therapeutic Recreation (TR) horseback riding could be very beneficial to all populations, ranging from young children to older adults. Additionally, this activity could serve those with physical, psychiatric, intellectual, and emotional disabilities, to name a few.

The vast majority of the rescued horses, some that were once thought to be permanently disabled, thrive with the assistance of the Mea Ola’s Place staff and volunteers. These horses through their own rehabilitation are used to help provide therapy for foster children, trauma victims, those battling substance abuse, and those with special needs. This gives the horse additional love and affection from the youth they are inadvertently

A horse can be a healer if you allow them to be. According to Winston Churchill they are healers for many adults and kids that have been through a lot. Having interactions with this animal will allow humans to build a bond, feel needed, responsible and learn new skills. You might be scared at first but it’s a working progress. A horse will allow you to improve you’re physical, mental, social and emotional well beings. Also another reason horses are great healers they allow our kids that have special need issues to get time away from the hospital and to enjoy themselves, and not think about what sickness they have. The Psychological