Hypophobia (fear of horses): symptoms and treatment

The horse has been a symbol of nobility, strength and loyalty for centuries. Throughout history and until the invention and popularization of the automobile, these animals have accompanied man in almost all his trips.

Equines have been highly valued, admired and loved from ancient times to this day. by the vast majority of people, even leading the dreams of many children and girls. But for some people, seeing or meeting a horse can be cause for great discomfort and panic. This is what happens with people who suffer from hypophobia, an anxiety disorder related to these types of animals.

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What is hypophobia?

It is called hypophobia extreme and exaggerated fear or panic produced by the presence of horses. This fear can appear in the presence of horses themselves or in the expectation that they will appear, if well it can also appear (although generally to a lesser extent) before representations of these creatures.

It is a specific phobia referred to animals, which implies the existence for at least six months of an exaggerated and disproportionate fear or panic in relation to the possible danger that the stimulus in question could suppose. The person who suffers from it usually tends to avoid, or to bear with a very high level of anxiety, contact with these creatures. Previously it was considered that the person himself is usually aware that his reaction is exaggerated for the real danger it poses, but at present such recognition is not required to diagnose it.

The sight or the mere idea of ​​the proximity of a horse can cause in a person with hypophobia the emergence of a very high level of anxiety which in fact can lead to a panic attack. Sweating, tremors, headache, nausea and vomiting are some of the most frequent physiological symptoms, along with tachycardia and hyperventilation.

Since in our daily life it is not common to find horses, as a general rule this phobia does not usually cause much interference in the daily life of the person who suffers from it. However, fear can also be triggered in situations associated with the presence of horses or in which representations of these appear. creatures, avoiding, for example, merry-go-rounds, amusement parks or fairs where these representations may appear or even animals real.

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Causes of this phobia

Like other phobias, the causes of hypophobia are largely unknown. However, There are different hypotheses regarding its appearance..

The main hypothesis in this regard is the one that proposes that the fear of horses is acquired, learned from experience. It is common for people who have suffered accidents, whether kicked or falls, to suffer from it. Can also be learned vicariously, either because someone in the environment has suffered accidents related to these beings or because cases of accidents related to equines have been viewed or read.

Another of the most common hypotheses is the one that presents the phobia of certain stimuli such as something partly phylogenetically inherited through genes, a natural reaction that allows the human being to escape dangerous stimulation. Despite the fact that horses are herbivores that would not hunt us and would not pose a threat at first, they are animals of great power and Wingspan: A kick from a horse has the potential to be deadly, and a stampede from these beings could easily kill a person.

Treatment of fear of horses

As in the rest of phobias, one of the main and most effective treatments to apply for the treatment of hypophobia is exposure therapy. This therapy is mainly based on exposing the subject to the feared stimulus without using avoidance techniques. until the anxiety and panic caused by the phobic element subside to practically imperceptible

It is usually carried out in a graduated manner: it would be a question of making a hierarchy of phobic stimuli, with different items or stimuli that generate panic ordered according to the level of anxiety that they imply, to gradually expose the subject to said stimuli in a graduated manner. For example, in the case at hand, one could start with exposure to equine images and gradually increase the complexity and level of exposure, such as for example, visiting and riding on merry-go-rounds, being exposed to the sight of a live equine and slowly getting closer, perhaps to the point of touching or even riding on it. animal.

In the long run, you can even consider visiting some stables or even practicing equine therapy. However, this is an example: the items that must be raised must be negotiated between the patient and the therapist based on what the former involves anxiety (something that can vary greatly depending on the patient, no matter how much the phobic stimulus is the same) and what they are willing to do.

Beyond the exhibition Cognitive restructuring can be of great help to combat distorted beliefs and maladaptive, such as a possible vision that approaching a horse will cause it to be hostile, that these are aggressive, that the subject is unable to cope with his panic, or that he will most likely fall off a horse if he gets to it. ride.

The use of relaxation techniques It can be helpful when anxiety arises, whether it is to prepare for possible exposure or to reduce the internal tension associated with your panic.