Equine Therapy Research Paper

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Does Equine Therapy Really Work? There are many different types of therapy; but the therapy that I have been hearing quite a controversy about one in particular, Equine therapy. Equine therapy is the use of horses for any type of therapy, whether it is behavioral issues in teens, to veterans who have Post-Triadic Stress Disorder. The list goes on and on. I believe that there is a spontaneous connection between a horse and a rider, the reason I believe this is because throughout history the human has always sought out the horse for many different reasons: transportation, inspiration, work, responsibility, companionship, and more. There have been recent studies that say there seems to also be a working connection between progression in helping …show more content…

Well horses are the more commonly used in assisted therapy because horses have unique traits. Horses are naturally a scary animal to those who don’t know anything about them. Horses are strong, smart, and powerful creatures. In handling these intimidating animals it boosts a patient’s confidence and reduces fear of the horse which in-turn helps when working with other intimidating animals, or challenging life situations. Horses also act off a person’s body language, and feelings. Horses mirror peoples’ feelings so if a person is angry or afraid a horse will mirror the person and their feelings, which is why a patient needs to learn to not be afraid of the horse. If a patient is afraid of the horse it may cause an injury to the horse or the patient participating in the therapy …show more content…

I find it strange how equine therapy can help educational purposes, but a recent study shows equine therapy improves ones attention as well as their concentration, which is essential to anyone requiring those skills. Riding therapy promotes and develops: respect, responsibility, perseverance, and a feeling towards animals. Positive attitudes that patients may acquire help the family and the patient. This brings me to the psychological benefits patients’ gain, a general well-being when they enjoy this therapy. Riding therapy helps to reduce insecurities, and fears that help the patient feel more confident. Physically patients improve vertical and horizontal balance. Also, patients improve a muscular structure including tone, and the improvement of muscles that are rarely used by anyone including some

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