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.

More Information about Animal Assisted Therapy and Therapeutic Programs

• The Healing Effect of Horses on Teens at Turn-About Ranch

  Working with horses can have a healing effect on teens suffering from anxiety and other mental health disorders. Turn-About Ranch, a residential treatment center for teens in Utah, features equine-assisted therapy prominently in its treatment program. more...

• Turn-About Ranch Gives Kids a Second Chance in the Great Outdoors

  Living in the country enjoying fresh air and nature can have a healing effect on those who suffer from a variety of disorders. Turn-About Ranch, a working ranch in Utah, has been successfully using that technique to help treat troubled teenagers for years. more...

• The Many Faces of Equine Therapy

  The equine therapy experience at Turn-About Ranch is different from other therapeutic horseback riding programs. Rather than simply walking a horse across an arena or teaching commands and discussing the communication process, students at the ranch have the opportunity to experience authentic trail rides and cattle drives (after learning the basics of caring for their horse, such as saddling and bridling, mounting and dismounting, and safety precautions). more...

• Service Dogs Enhance Quality of Life for Autistic Kids

  Specially trained service dogs can provide a range of therapeutic and quality-of-life benefits to children with autism, Asperger's Syndrome, and other related conditions. more...

• Equine Therapy: How Horses Help Troubled Teens Build Better Lives

  For decades, horses have been employed in therapeutic programs throughout the United States, where they have helped thousands of people overcome serious physical and emotional challenges. For adolescents who suffer from social or developmental disorders, equine therapy can offer life-changing opportunities to work through internal struggles and rebuild positive interpersonal relationships. more...