Literature Review On Equine Therapy

Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) started before the 1960 's. Equine-assisted therapy is most known for the chance to help physically disabled people recover movement in their limbs. Another big role equine-assisted therapy contributes to therapy is throughout helping kids with autism or any other psychological condition. Specifically, people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) benefit the most from it. Throughout equine-assisted therapy, autistic children can begin to trust, communicate, connect, and bond with

For a number of children with autism having a companion dog is the difference between life and death. Methodically trained guide dogs help create an environment where autistic children are comfortable enough to live a more ordinary lifestyle. Autism spectrum disorder is a major public health problem that is the most common neurological disorder affecting 1 out of every 110 births in the US (Autism Society, 2009). ASDs can range in severity from Asperger Syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism where the child can function relatively well in society, to autistic disorder or classical ASD, which severely inhibits the child’s ability to socialize or communicate (NINDS). Autism manifests itself most strikingly as impairments in formation of

Furthermore, research is demonstrating the promise that equine therapy holds for children with intellectual disabilities. When compared to traditional intervention methods, equine therapy is a bit more cost-effective, meaning more families can afford equine therapy. With this in mind, it shows promise of becoming a standard form of early intervention for individuals with disabilities (Holmes et. al. 120). As the child ages, research is showing more and more support for equine therapy. It was mentioned previously how equine therapy can help a child in the classroom. Research shows that equine therapy can help a child in nearly every aspect of his or her life. Equine therapy proved in one study that it helps children with intellectual disabilities with their balance, thanks to the stimulating movements of the horse (Biery et. al. 1). Motor skills have improved after just a few sessions in equine therapy, whether it be riding or hippotherapy (Snider et. al. 1). In addition, researchers have found that social skills have improved with equine therapy (Bass, Dunchowny & llabre 1266). The reason for the improvement in social skills is because in therapeutic riding lessons, children are given the chance to interact with other individuals who are similar to them. This creates a bond between the students. Individuals in hippotherapy gain social skills because of the interactions they have with a therapist, and the bonds formed with the horse. All of these researchers have

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

Equine-assisted interventions. A study by Jenkins and Reed (2013) examined the ways that participating in equine-assisted interventions impacted children with autism’s social behavior in multiple contexts. They observed children (N=7) who were participating in a therapeutic horseback riding program both at the center and at home to find if this intervention altered the children’s social behaviors. The results did not indicate that these interventions produced significant changes in children’s affect, off-task behavior, problem behavior, compliance, or language in program or home observations. However, numerous parents verbally reported that there were changes in their child’s language abilities at home and school. This indicates that parental

Therapeutic horse riding is a program that benefits children and adults who have challenges wither is physical or emotional. Some of the program's most common challenges are a variety of special needs relating to cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, and autism to stroke recovery and learning disabilities. The program helps increased balance and muscle control, improves concentration and short-term memory, and enhances their confidence and self-esteem. Research into animal-assisted therapy is fairly new; however, even among professionals who believe more research is in order, there is a general consensus that therapy animals can be a highly beneficial addition to treatment programs for children with autism or Asperger's.

Winston Churchill once stated,“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man,” that statement certainly rings true when discussing the topic of Equine Assisted Therapy. Since Ancient Greece, people have been using horseback riding as a form of therapy to help people who are disabled to improve their lives physically, mentally, and emotionally. Despite the fact that horseback riding is typically dismissed as a form of physical therapy, the physical, mental, and emotional benefits prove that therapeutic riding is a valuable form of therapy.

The 2015 National Standards Report on autism states that AAT is an unestablished intervention for individuals under the age of 22, which means that there is little or no support on its effectiveness. They find that there is “no way to rule out the possibility that these interventions are ineffective or harmful” (National Autism Center, 2015, p. 74). Despite this report, numerous parents are asserting that this therapy was beneficial for their child’s social competencies, physical safety, or sensory experience. More quality research is needed to determine if animal-assisted interventions are effective because families are spending substantial amounts of time and money on animal-based interventions in the place of more evidence-based practices. According to Autism Service Dogs of America (2010), a fundraising goal of $13,500 for each service animal is required, which is invested in the dog’s training, housing, and breeding, which usually totals around $20,000. After the dog enters the family, there are continuous training sessions. According to the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation (2012), families can end up spending $5,000 annually and countless hours on equine-assisted therapy. With considerable amounts of time and money being invested in these interventions, more research must be performed on the efficacy of these

Animal-assisted interventions have also been proposed as a method to improve social interactions and communication skills in children with autism. Supporters of animals improving social competence find that children have a natural connection with animals that may help to facilitate communication skills, which are often a challenging skill to improve in children with ASD. Solomon (2015) advocates for the inclusion of animals in structured interactions with the child, because “there are indications that some people diagnosed with ASD ‘are’ more companion-able and more response-able when their interactions with animals are enfolded into interactions with people” (p. 327). She describes these structured interactions for children with ASD through

Riding teaches motor skills and social skills. The children must learn patience and forgiveness with the horses. They learn how to deal with discouraging situations and are rewarded by the horse. Many children with Autism lack the skills to interact socially and are therefore ignored by other children. They do not have a chance to develop social skills anand don’t know how to act around others. The children in therapy riding must learn how to ask the horse to do and action without demanding an action. When the horse does not do what a child wants they must stop and figure out what hor or she is doing wrong. they fix the problem and get a slip of new found confidence. Children learn balance and certain activities with the horses develop mind skills needed for solving problems. The textures of a horse's fur and mane stimulate brain function and kickstart curiosity in the children. As a result most children that undergo therapy riding continue riding even after they have completed their

A horse's nature is sensitivity to subtle changes in their environment, which makes them perfect for working with a wide range of people improving life and coping skills. A patient is able to get a sense of overall well feeling, improved self- esteem, and self-confidence (“Equine-Assisted Therapy…”). Horses are able to help patients realize and improve their feelings because horses can give the patient immediate feedback. Horses are able to tell how the patient feels and reflect that into their own attitude. If a patient comes and is angry the horse may become stubborn. If the patient is scared, the horse may act skittish. If the patient is calm, the horse will be calm. Horses will sense how we are feeling and react in the same way, this helps patients understand their innermost feelings and how to deal with them (“The Soulful Benefits of Healing…”). A seven year old boy walks into a horse arena, the boy notices the 1,000 pound paint horse is calm, even the horses is blinking slow. The boy picks up on this relaxed nature. His mother goes on to say, “This is the calmest I’ve ever seen him… When he’s in the car, his mouth and his body is always moving. Once he gets [to the barn], he’s just focused” (Persun). This specific type of Equine therapy is called, Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy or EEP. EEP can be used to help people with mental and emotional difficulties, including anxiety and mood

Equine Physical Therapy There are two ways to become an equine physical therapist. The first route is to become a veterinarian. The second is to become a human physical therapist with an animal science option. The second option would benefit both the horse and the rider.

There are numerous benefits of using Equine Assisted Psychotherapy or any other animal therapy. One benefits is that the clients form a bond with the horse, and it in return has a positive effect on the person and the animal. Another benefit is horses can help people who struggle with social interactions. When they work with a horse it is giving them practice to opening up with people because they are forming a bond with the animal, which in turn can teach them how to form a bond with people.

Equine therapy is a practice that uses horses to aid people with disabilities. This therapy has helped people for over 50 years in the United States, and it has been used in Europe for more than 100 years. What can horses do to help people? Why can they make us feel better? Horses deserve more credit than what we are giving them. Horse therapy can strengthen our bodies, improve communication skills, and help people face their fears.

However, not all horse are suited to being therapy horses. Therapy horses must have a certain nature. They have to be calm, kind, and they have to like being around people. They also have to be trainable. A stubborn horse won't do. The horse that can provide therapy must be able to be trained to give the rider what they need. There is a lot to learn and the horse chosen for this must have the ability