Equine-assisted activities and therapy encompass a range of treatments that involve activities with horses to promote human physical and mental health well being.
History of Equine Therapy
The use of horses being used for therapeutic purposes dates back to ancient Greek. Hippocrates, the Greek physician and known as the "Father of Medicine", wrote about the therapeutic benefits of horses and horseback riding.
Who Benefits from Equine Therapy?
The therapeutic goal is to enhance physical, emotional, social, cognitive, behavioural and educational skills for children, youth, and adults with disabilities or significant life challenges.
What is Therapeutic Riding?
Therapeutic riding is used as a recreational tool to promote calm, develop muscle tone, improve sensory and motor skills for coordination. It also helps build confidence and emotional and physical well-being.
Horseback riding rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait; riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength.
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