http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-amazing-healing-power-of-horses.html
The Healing Power of Horses
By Anne Krueger, Barbara Hey & Andrea Reynes, Natural Solutions
Many of us have seen the positive relationships that can develop between horses and humans. Who can forget Roy Rogers and Trigger? Wilbur and Mr. Ed? But long before Velvet and Pi were bonding in National Velvet, horses were being used to facilitate improved health and well-being in humans. The ancient Greeks documented the therapeutic use of riding horses in 600 B.C., and the first study of the value of riding as therapy was reported in 1875, when a French physician used it as a treatment for a variety of neurological and psychological disorders.
Today, scientific literature supporting the value of equine-assisted therapy abounds. At least 10 studies conducted over the past 20 years have shown animal-assisted therapy–of which equine therapy is a common form–is effective in treating conditions such as anxiety, autism, dementia, depression and attention-deficit disorder, as well as eating disorders and other emotional and mental illnesses.
Equine therapy continues to gain in popularity. In Tennessee, at Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding, horseback riders with spina bifida experience the exhilarating rolling movement of walking for the first time, via the four legs of a horse rather than their own two. At Green Chimneys in upstate New York, horses from Iceland, donated from Senator and former First Lady Hillary Clinton, help kids with emotional problems learn how to feel independent and self-confident. And from California to Florida, treatment centers are offering equine-assisted therapy to help people with everything from drug addiction to cancer recovery.
Why horses? They’re big and powerful, which means those riding and grooming them must overcome fear and develop confidence. Indeed, working with a horse can be a challenge. Horses have a way of seeing right through you; they see your fear, your feelings of inadequacy and your sorrow, according to research published by Edward J. Cumella, PhD, director of research at the Remuda Ranch treatment center in Wickenburg, Ariz. “Horses’ sensitivity to nonverbal communication assists patients in developing greater awareness of their own emotions and nonverbal cues, as well as the role of nonverbal communication in relationships,” Cumella reports.
Like us, horses have different personalities, and what works for one horse won’t work for another. Horses also require people to be engaged and to persevere in challenging physical and mental work, a characteristic that comes in handy when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life, whether it’s an eating or behavioral disorder, a handicap or a serious illness.
A horse can become a nonjudgmental friend, but often its rider must adapt or change his or her behavior in order for the horse to respond. These changes, as demonstrated by the following three stories, can help a person in crisis find the strength to go on.
Next: A Horse Named Levi–Healing Anorexia
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7 comments
add your comment »i've been volunteering with a therapeutic riding program for over 10 years, and am such a believer in the healing ability of animal-human interaction! I feel so blessed in the things i've witnessed and been a part of:) And not just for our disabled riders; i swear we "normal" volunteers get just as much out of it! I know the bonds i've developed with some of our horses have been incredibly helpful in coping and dealing with my depression.
it's really interesting to me to read about the other avenues for equine therapy! i have a secret dream of owning/running a therapy place, and this opens so many more doors for use, and makes me more committed to figuring out a way to make such a dream come true:)
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I am an EAP practitioner and love what I do. Watching the changes in clients as the interact with horses is very rewarding. I've seen many people's lives change significantly as a result of the work they've done with Blue, Sugar, Tank, and many other horses. Thank you for this inspiring piece.
You mention a number of research studies that support the effectiveness of working with horses. How can I get a list of those?
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An inspiring story.
I wish that mores such places could be organized; it would require one or a few big-hearted farmers to donate the land and food for the horses. With volunteering and donations I am sure it could blossom.
So many race horses or older horses end up in pet food or on someone's dinner plate. Such is only a "one - time pleasure" while healing people with the company of horses has long-term benefits for people & animals and stimulates a desperately needed kinder future. All animals have this sacred power, even the humble hamster, we just have to tune in and understand what connects us all.
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As a horse lover; I really enjoyed the article. It was nice to hear that one of the programs uses foal rescues from premarin mares. I just wanted to bring more attention to this particular topic, and make others aware of the cruelty that these poor horses are subjected to. Premarin actually stands for pregnant mares urine, premarin is a drug to treat menopause. There is detailed information on premarin.org. It just breaks my heart...
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I used to have allot of horses and went riding daily. Now I have so many injuries it's hard to do what I have to but I won't give up my last horse. She was injured at the racetrack and retired. She is huggable and will rest her head on your shoulder when you need a friend.
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Please remember....the term "anorexia" simply means that a person is not getting enough nourishment, which can be true in many illnesses. In the first part of your article, you refer to someone who had "anorexia" but it is obvious that you are referring to the very specific disease of "anorexia nervosa". Misuse of the term only adds to the confusion and difficulty of both this last disease and other diseases which cause anorexia.
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Its means alot to me that people read this. and even more to know that i may have helped someone threw a rough and hard time. more people need to reach out a hand some time. it sure would help alot of people .
thanks be blessed.
kartę r4i
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