Horse therapy: an alternative therapeutic resource

More and more people are turning to animals looking for a different or complementary path to traditional therapy. Although it is true that the most accessible is dog-assisted therapy, there are other options that are in full growth thanks to their specific effects.

The horse has carved a niche for itself in the therapeutic world, and there is no shortage of reasons, since both are contributing a lot, especially in childhood pathologies. Let's see, then, how is therapy with horses. Why them and not others?

• Related article: “The benefits of dog therapy”

The horse, from Hippocrates to today

Horse therapies have not been invented today, Hippocrates already told how in Ancient Greece horseback riding was given to people with incurable diseases to improve your self-esteem.

Since then, much progress has been made and it is currently known that there are mainly three characteristics of this animal that function as the basis of therapy:

1. your body heat

The horse has a higher body temperature than that of the human being, therefore the transmission of this heat

aids in muscle relaxation and stimulates tactile perception. In addition, together with the smooth movement of walking, it causes what is known as the “rocking effect”, it is a sensation that, especially in children, generates security and a protective space.

2. Its transmission of rhythmic impulses

Through movement the horse transmits these impulses to the pelvic girdle, spine, and extremities of the rider. Thanks to the concept of brain plasticity, it is known that physiological impulses that are initiated in muscle and bone tissue can compensate for damaged neuronal areas by activating new ones. This objective is the same as that sought with physiotherapy, but in this case it is the horse that stimulates.

3. locomotion pattern

A pattern of locomotion equivalent to the physiological pattern of walking in humans it is very useful in animal therapy.

This assumption is very valuable in patients who do not have the necessary control of the head and trunk, for example in people with cerebral palsy. During mounting, the patient walks sitting down, with time and the necessary practice, this pattern can be automated and generate improvements in gait.

On the other hand, feeling attached to the horse and noticing its progress generates confidence in oneself and in the environment, a key aspect in the therapeutic process.

How is equine therapy performed?

The benefits of horse therapy are not obtained merely from animal contact, it is necessary to guide and plan the steps of the therapy and follow certain processes to obtain the best benefits.

There are two ways to relate to the horse, so that the patient can adapt the therapy to his needs.

hippotherapy

The patient benefits from the qualities of the horse adapting your body to the movements of the animal. Neuromuscular exercises that stimulate muscle tone, balance and coordination can be added to this process.

The therapeutic ride

This alternative joins the learning of horse riding a therapeutic goal. The goal is to be an active rider, and it is achieved by combining training with therapeutic games and neuromuscular and gymnastic exercises.

It is an integral therapy, that is, it has very diverse therapeutic effects. It acts above all in the regulation of muscle tone, locomotion, trunk and head stability, psychomotricity, and in the construction of body symmetry. It also favors sensory integration and the proprioceptive system (perception of posture and own movements).

In addition, concentration and attention are benefited during therapy, as well as a increase in self-esteem and self-confidence. It influences both verbal and non-verbal communication; and decreases aggressiveness and promotes values ​​such as cooperation And the responsability.

There are multiple clinical conditions for which this therapy is recommended: cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Down syndrome, scoliosis, lumbago, Parkinson's, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism… But there are also others for which it is contraindicated, such as hip dysplasia, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy (muscle weakness) or haemophilia (blood clotting defect)

one final thought

These innovative therapies are not intended to replace conventional treatments, but to offer a complement, this is, the search for good teamwork that achieves a perfect gear and improves the quality of life of the patient. Equine therapy is another of the many tools available to psychology and health sciences in general to improve the quality of life of patients.