What is an equine therapy session like?
Equine-assisted psychotherapy or learning: This may or may not involve horse riding. But together, the human-animal team works to create a healing environment for children and adults.
Equine therapy is the desire for it not to feel like a normal therapy session in an office.
By using horses and shared activity, equine therapists hope to provide a more comfortable space where people can explore their mental or physical health at their own pace, under the guidance of a professional. The goal is for it to not feel like a typical in-office therapy session.
Session times may vary, though the session will be around an hour. The specific activities in your equine therapy session will depend on your age and your specific needs. Possibilities include:
- Non-riding activities:
- Learning gentle techniques of tactile engagement (petting or giving treats).
- Feeding, grooming, and caring for the horse.
- Cleaning and maintaining your tack (saddle and equipment).
- Leading or walking with the horse.
- Leading the horses or ponies out on the trails.
- Developing a partnership. Building trust with the horse.
- Learning how horses interact with each other.
- Assisted riding activities:
- Riding in the field or indoor arena with the assistance of a therapist and equestrian.
- Trail riding or nature walks. Both with or with out lead rein.
- Learning to move with the different gaits of the horse.
- Playing games and improving coordination while on horseback.
Benefits of Equine therapy
- For older adults: Benefits of equine-assisted psychotherapy in older adults with cognitive or functional impairment, most who tried equine therapy reported gains extending beyond their interactions with horses. These included increased human social interactions and positive influences from peers.
- For veterans: Research found that veterans who experienced trauma, stress, and anxiety showed fewer physical signs of stress when participating in an equine therapy program.
- For at-risk youth: For at risk youths, the feedback has shown that they reported positive effects on their resilience and reduced risks of crime, self-harm, and other issues. They reported benefits to their empathy, confidence, self-esteem, mastery, and self-efficacy.
- For emotional health: For people who find it difficult to open up to others, working with horses may provide a more relaxed environment to facilitate trust and build a therapeutic relationship.
- For physical health: There are numerous physical benefits to horseback riding, including increased cardiovascular and reduced blood pressure levels, and reduced stress.
Other frequently asked questions about equine therapy
Still have questions? Here are answers to some of the most common questions about equine therapy:
Is equine therapy dangerous for kids?
No, horses in these facilities go through years of training to ensure safety. While there are always risks in working with animals, they can be minimized through the selection of accredited and properly insured therapy programs and wearing proper protective gear such as helmets.
How much does equine therapy cost?
Costs for equine therapy costs can be adapted to clients, However the cost per session is £50.
Is equine therapy covered by insurance?
Most equine therapies are not covered by insurance. However, Psychotherapy may be covered by some insurance companies, Check with your insurer for more information.
What qualifications do i hold as an equine therapists?
- BHS stage 4
- Mental health awareness level 3
- CPCAB level 2 counselling skills
- CPCAB level 3 Counselling theory
- CPCAB Level 4 Therapeutic counselling
- CPCAB Level 5 Psychotherapy
- Masters degree in Psychology and counselling.
Is your staff trained in first aid?
Yes, i hold a current first aid certificate and a first aid kit is kept on site.
What professionals will be with me or my child during the session?
Myself at all times, i have an enhanced DBS on the update service. When additional support is needed to allow for bigger groups to participate at the same time then i have trusted equine professionals to help.
Can I visit the barn before my first session?
No, i can offer a phone or video call consultation. Also a video introducing ponies. However the yard is not open for public visitation.