Working with horses as facilitators of therapy enhances and often accelerates the therapeutic process. They are intuitive creatures who can read you better than a human. They know your heart and your intentions. You cannot fool a horse.
What is Equine Assisted Therapy ( Hippotherapy)
Through the use of equine assisted activities and therapies, thousands of special-needs individuals get to experience the rhythmic motion of a horse. Riders move fluidly with the horse to improve balance, muscle strength and flexibility. This movement which mimics the human gait allows those with physical, cognitive or emotional limitations to enjoy the same freedoms we take for granted. Therapists, riding instructors and various volunteers oversee the individualized therapy and educational activities specifically developed for each client. Riders with Autism, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and other debilitating illnesses benefit daily from these activities.
Through the use of equine assisted activities and therapies, thousands of special-needs individuals get to experience the rhythmic motion of a horse. Riders move fluidly with the horse to improve balance, muscle strength and flexibility. This movement which mimics the human gait allows those with physical, cognitive or emotional limitations to enjoy the same freedoms we take for granted. Therapists, riding instructors and various volunteers oversee the individualized therapy and educational activities specifically developed for each client. Riders with Autism, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and other debilitating illnesses benefit daily from these activities.
Equine Assisted Activities and Learning
Is the practice of using horses for emotional growth. Participants in therapy use feelings, behaviors, and patterns to better understand the horse and themselves. The field of using horses for therapy is new and growing rapidly. It has been proven to be very effective in building confidence, improving communication and giving personal insights to participants involved with equine assisted therapy.
Much of the equine therapy is facilitated by non-verbal communication skills. Horses, like many other animals, communicate non-verbally. They use body language and often mirror the emotions and behaviors of the participants that surround them. Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy builds skills in the following areas:
Problem Solving
Work Ethic
Personal Responsibility
Teamwork
Confidence
Attitude
Emotional Growth
Relationship Building
Is the practice of using horses for emotional growth. Participants in therapy use feelings, behaviors, and patterns to better understand the horse and themselves. The field of using horses for therapy is new and growing rapidly. It has been proven to be very effective in building confidence, improving communication and giving personal insights to participants involved with equine assisted therapy.
Much of the equine therapy is facilitated by non-verbal communication skills. Horses, like many other animals, communicate non-verbally. They use body language and often mirror the emotions and behaviors of the participants that surround them. Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy builds skills in the following areas:
Problem Solving
Work Ethic
Personal Responsibility
Teamwork
Confidence
Attitude
Emotional Growth
Relationship Building
