The benefits of horse therapy

If you have ever combed a horse, ridden one or led one around a pen, you know they are wonderful animals. Horses are largely calm animals who are sensitive to our emotions as they interact with us. Because they are big yet kind animals, working with them requires patience and confidence. People who care for horses receive many benefits such as increased self-esteem, relaxation and confidence.

Interestingly, horses can help people with a range of disabilities and mental illness, according to Everyday Health. When patients spend time caring for horses, some conditions can be alleviated, such as: 

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Chronic illness
• Addiction
• Attention deficit disorder

Older horses who might otherwise be put down are put to better use working with people who struggle.

Many mental health issues spiral internally and trap people, so they have trouble identifying what is wrong and how to get help. Hidden issues can slow the recovery process or even worsen the mental illness. Gentle horses help people unlock some of the pain and add positivity to their mental state.

Caring for horses can include petting, grooming, riding and training them. Different levels of interaction offer different benefits for those who work with horses. For example, walking a horse around obstacles in an arena can help a person suffering from depression focus on guiding the horse rather than staying deep in his or her depression.

During the process of caring for horses, feelings of frustration or disappointment can surface, which can then be channeled into seeing active success with the horse. Horses, like most animals, give pretty clear feedback, such as shying away, moving forward with you or leaning in for a nice neck rub.

The difficulty of using horses as therapy is finding a horse ranch where mentally ill people have the opportunity to work with horses easily. Horse care is somewhat expensive, so horse therapy can be expensive as well. It is also time-consuming. But the benefits are real.

If you have been around horses, you know that at first they can be intimidating. But they don’t talk back to you or complain at every misstep. People report feeling a greater sense of: 

• Self-esteem
• Self-awareness
• Relaxation
• Ability to communicate

These are huge benefits for people suffering from mental illness.

Horse therapy does not cure mental illness. Instead, it helps patients feel better and work toward healing more successfully. Therapist Carol Caddes explains to CNN that some patients can better confront their own issues while working with a horse rather than working only with a therapist or talking with a friend.

It’s important to note that equine therapy is conducted in the presence of a certified therapist, but anyone can benefit from working with and caring for these big, beautiful animals.