Exploring the Benefits of Equine-Assisted Therapy

THE HYPE ABOUT HORSE THERAPY 1

Kela Banta

Mrs. Doyle

Comp 231

4/13/2017

The Hype About Horse Therapy Horses are extremely similar to humans in many ways: They use facial expressions to express their mood, they have a wide range of vocalizations that are highly important for communication with other horses, and their gait is extraordinarily close to our own. Their similar gait is part of what makes horses an ideal animal for therapy use. According to Smith, because a horse’s gait is rhythmic, variable, and repetitive like ours, “a child who has never walked or has an abnormal gait can feel what ‘normal’ feels like.” It’s not only a horse’s walk that makes them great for therapy settings; there are many other reasons why horses

Equine-assisted therapy helps patients grow more effectively and quickly than traditional clinical therapy because people typically learn best by doing. According to EAGALA, working with horses is “engaging, real time, and hands-on. The experience is immediate and fully felt.” One equine therapy patient, who has a history of domestic violence and mental health issues, says, “I have had many ‘talk therapies’ in my life, but this was totally different and very powerful...I have noticed less fear and more inner stability” (EAGALA,

Since it doesn’t need to be prescribed, anyone can take part in an EFL session and see positive outcomes in mood, social skills, and confidence, but it also can be extremely empowering to anyone who feels they have little control over the other aspects of their life. The article “What is Facilitated Learning?” has this to say:

The horse’s honest reaction to a person’s actions and behavior can often give us insight [to] our true feelings and [a] deeper understanding of ourselves. Even at its simplest level, EFL can give anyone a sense of achievement and well-being that is both lasting and