Differently Abled

What are equine-assisted services?

Equine-assisted services, also known to many as "equine therapy", is a form of self learning and care that involves working with horses to help individuals with disabilities and mental health issues. It can help build strength, balance, and coordination. Equine-assisted services can also help kids develop better emotional regulation, higher self-confidence, and more independence.

The types of equine-assisted services include:

• Therapeutic Riding (Adaptive Riding): The most common form of equine-assisted work and probably what most people think of when they think of it. Therapeutic riding uses specially trained horses, along with staff trained in equine therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech therapy. Riding and caring for horses can improve your child’s endurance, dexterity, and self-confidence. Therapeutic riding can be helpful for people who need physical or occupational therapy. It can also be beneficial for someone with emotional or cognitive disabilities. It’s also great for nonverbal kids.

• Recreation, Education, Sport (also Adaptive Riding): This does not require a therapist to be involved. Your child will learn to actually ride and care for horses in an inclusive, safe environment. Your child will be part of a team, learn skills for life, socialize, and more. Unlike the other options on this list, lessons are ongoing and may lead to competitive opportunities for life.  Sometimes, if there is no other physical therapist available, insurance will cover part or all of the lessons. 

• Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP): EAP involves working with the horse without riding them. A licensed mental healthcare provider will partner with a credentialed equine professional to help a person work towards their therapy goals, usually related to behavioral or emotional difficulties. Activities in EAP normally include grooming, leading, and other interactions with the horse. It can help issues with anxiety or depression.

• Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL): EAL uses horses to teach life skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. It can be used to address specific problems such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. It is often used in conjunction with other therapies and treatments. Common EAL activities include grooming and caring for the horses, leading the horse through obstacle courses, and spending time with horses.

• Hippotherapy: This type of therapy combines the methods of occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy with horses and is commonly recommended for children with autism. This type of therapy involves using the movement of the horse to improve motor skills, balance, and coordination. It uses the horse’s movement to provide a therapeutic effect on the rider’s body. For example, as the horse walks or trots, it will activate the rider’s muscles, joints, and nervous system. This can help improve the rider’s balance, coordination, and muscle tone. For those with sensory processing disorders, the sensory input provided by the horse’s movement can help improve the rider’s sensory integration and processing.