More and more people are turning to animals in search of a different or complementary path to traditional therapy. While it is true that the most accessible is dog-assisted therapy, there are other options that are growing thanks to their specific effects.

The horse has made a place for itself in the therapeutic world, and there is no lack of reasons, as both are contributing a great deal, especially in children’s pathologies. Let us see, then, what therapy with horses is like . Why them and not others?

The horse, from Hippocrates to the present day

Therapies with horses have not been invented today. Hippocrates already told how in Ancient Greece people with incurable diseases were given rides on horseback to improve their self-esteem.

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

1. Your body heat

The horse has a higher body temperature than humans, therefore the transmission of this heat helps in muscle relaxation and stimulates tactile perception . In addition, together with the smooth movement of the gait, it causes what is known as the “rocking effect”, a sensation that, especially in children, generates security and a protective space.

2. Your transmission of rhythmic impulses

Through movement the horse transmits these impulses to the rider’s pelvic belt, spine and extremities . 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. The pattern of locomotion

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

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 riding the patient walks in a sitting position, with time and practice this pattern can be automated and generate improvements in walking.

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

How is the Equine Therapy performed?

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

There are two ways of relating to the horse, so that the patient can adapt the therapy to their needs.

Hippotherapy

The patient benefits from the qualities of the horse by adapting his body to the movements of the animal. To this process, neuromuscular exercises can be added to stimulate muscle tone, balance and coordination.

Therapeutic riding

This alternative combines learning to ride with a therapeutic objective . The goal is to be an active rider, and this is achieved by combining training with therapeutic games and neuromuscular and gymnastic exercises.

It is a comprehensive therapy, i.e. it has very different therapeutic effects. It acts mainly on the regulation of muscle tone, locomotion, stability of the trunk and head, psychomotor skills, and on the construction of body symmetry. It also promotes sensory integration and the proprioceptive system (perception of one’s own posture and movements).

In addition, concentration and attention are benefited during therapy, as well as an 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 responsibility.

There are multiple clinical pictures for which this therapy is recommended: cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Down’s 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 hemophilia (defect in blood clotting)

A Final Reflection

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