Equine-Assisted Therapy
“The horse evokes some form of emotion in all of us. In Western cultures the almost tangible yearning of prepubescent girls for a horse or pony companion is undeniable. The thundering of hooves as galloping horses race for a finish line can bring whole nations to a standstill. The gentle enquiring tickle of a nostril can produce the hint of a smile in the most disabled child. Jones (1983) suggests that the horse is a symbol of ‘human spirit and freedom’.” Horses have been supporting humans therapeutically for centuries. However, we’ve only just begun to recognize the healing power these animals truly possess. Although many people have powerful responses to the energies of horses, there are certain characteristics …show more content…
“Equine assisted therapy (EAT) is unique in that therapist(s) or Facilitator(s) uses horses as a part of the treatment/learning structure and process. It is also held in a setting (usually an arena) away from the traditional therapy rooms and classrooms”. Get examples of people who benefit from EAT and how/why and what a typical EAT session looks like.
One form of EAT is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). EAP can be defined as a specialized form of psychotherapy using the horse as a therapeutic tool. “It is designed to address self-esteem, communication, interpersonal effectiveness, trust, boundaries and limit-setting, personal confidence and group cohesion. EAP is also known as “Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy”. Get examples of people who benefit from EAP and how/why and what a typical EAP session looks like.
“Equine-Assisted Experiential Therapy (EAET) is a combination of experiential therapy (learning by doing) and specific activities involving horses. It is designed to enable clients to work through unfinished business, live more fully in the present and alter destructive behaviour patterns. The core treatment model of EAET is based on the theory and techniques of ‘Psychdrama’; a model already demonstrated to be effective without the animal component.” Get examples of people who benefit from EAET and how/why and what a typical EAET session looks …show more content…
Horses were used in rehabilitation in the 5th Century B.C; and the first documented use of horses in mental health treatment was as early as 1792. “More than two centuries ago, German physicians advised horseback riding to reduce attacks of hypochondria and hysteria related to mental illness. Europeans promoted and standardised therapeutic riding which was cultivated for the reduction of physical ailments, promotion of psychological wellness, and the rehabilitation of people with decreased motor control. These forerunners of EAP focused upon the benefit of either riding or vaulting and served some remedial function.” Horses have been used for some time in educational and therapeutic settings with people of all ages. However, centres using horses in specifically therapeutic or developmental capacity were only opened in the U.S in the 1960s. Since then, horses have been used in the treatment of a broad range of psychological and physical disorders. One of the first equine therapy centers established is PATH International--Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. It was organised in 1969 to promote equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) for individuals with special needs. Now there are over 58,300 members receiving treatment worldwide. In 1999 the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) was founded. EAGALA, while
“The horse evokes some form of emotion in all of us. In Western cultures the almost tangible yearning of prepubescent girls for a horse or pony companion is undeniable. The thundering of hooves as galloping horses race for a finish line can bring whole nations to a standstill. The gentle enquiring tickle of a nostril can produce the hint of a smile in the most disabled child. Jones (1983) suggests that the horse is a symbol of ‘human spirit and freedom’.” Horses have been supporting humans therapeutically for centuries. However, we’ve only just begun to recognize the healing power these animals truly possess. Although many people have powerful responses to the energies of horses, there are certain characteristics …show more content…
“Equine assisted therapy (EAT) is unique in that therapist(s) or Facilitator(s) uses horses as a part of the treatment/learning structure and process. It is also held in a setting (usually an arena) away from the traditional therapy rooms and classrooms”. Get examples of people who benefit from EAT and how/why and what a typical EAT session looks like.
One form of EAT is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). EAP can be defined as a specialized form of psychotherapy using the horse as a therapeutic tool. “It is designed to address self-esteem, communication, interpersonal effectiveness, trust, boundaries and limit-setting, personal confidence and group cohesion. EAP is also known as “Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy”. Get examples of people who benefit from EAP and how/why and what a typical EAP session looks like.
“Equine-Assisted Experiential Therapy (EAET) is a combination of experiential therapy (learning by doing) and specific activities involving horses. It is designed to enable clients to work through unfinished business, live more fully in the present and alter destructive behaviour patterns. The core treatment model of EAET is based on the theory and techniques of ‘Psychdrama’; a model already demonstrated to be effective without the animal component.” Get examples of people who benefit from EAET and how/why and what a typical EAET session looks …show more content…
Horses were used in rehabilitation in the 5th Century B.C; and the first documented use of horses in mental health treatment was as early as 1792. “More than two centuries ago, German physicians advised horseback riding to reduce attacks of hypochondria and hysteria related to mental illness. Europeans promoted and standardised therapeutic riding which was cultivated for the reduction of physical ailments, promotion of psychological wellness, and the rehabilitation of people with decreased motor control. These forerunners of EAP focused upon the benefit of either riding or vaulting and served some remedial function.” Horses have been used for some time in educational and therapeutic settings with people of all ages. However, centres using horses in specifically therapeutic or developmental capacity were only opened in the U.S in the 1960s. Since then, horses have been used in the treatment of a broad range of psychological and physical disorders. One of the first equine therapy centers established is PATH International--Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. It was organised in 1969 to promote equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) for individuals with special needs. Now there are over 58,300 members receiving treatment worldwide. In 1999 the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) was founded. EAGALA, while