EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY

Abstract

Equine-Assisted Therapy(EAT) is a form of experiential therapy which invoves
activities with horses to promote human physical and mental health at Licensed EAT
centers. In this therapy patting the horse or stroking can decrease stress levels, create a
calm environment and reduce anxiety as well as movement of horses with client
improves functional ability in case of cerebral palsy. It can be applicable for the
patients who are being treated for cerebral palsy, substance abuse, Addiction, Behavior
disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, ADHD, Autism, Asperger's ,sex Addiction,
Bipolar, depression and related conditions.
Key Words: Equine, Therapy, horse, reduce anxiety, functional ability.

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EQUINE-ASSISTED THERAPY
Prof.M.Sudhadevi. M
Principal, R.S.D.Academy Institute of Medical Sciences
M.Surya, B.Sc (N)
ABSTRACT
Equine-Assisted Therapy(EAT) is a form of experiential therapy which invoves
activities with horses to promote human physical and mental health at Licensed EAT
centers. In this therapy patting the horse or stroking can decrease stress levels, create a
calm environment and reduce anxiety as well as movement of horses with client
improves functional ability in case of cerebral palsy. It can be applicable for the
patients who are being treated for cerebral palsy, substance abuse, Addiction, Behavior
disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, ADHD, Autism, Asperger's ,sex Addiction,
Bipolar, depression and related conditions.
Key Words: Equine, Therapy, horse, reduce anxiety, functional ability.
INTRODUCTION
Animals can provide an excellent emotional support for the human beings.
Besides the pet-owner relationship, many of us have experienced extraordinary peaceful
feeling with animals. Hence some animals are used in therapeutic setting to help people
proceed through challenging emotional experiences. Animal-assisted therapists can use
many of creatures in their work including dogs, cats and birds. But people who provide
Equine assisted therapy claim that horses can provide benefits that no other animal can
provide. “A horse is the projection of peoples’ dreams about themselves – strong,
powerful, beautiful – and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane
existence.” This quote is attributed to Pam Brown, and it likely has special resonance
for people who love horses. It might also attract to people who provide equine-assisted
therapy. These therapists believe that horses can provide people in recovery from
addictions, mental illnesses or both with the help they will need to overcome the
challenges they face.
Definition:
Equine assisted therapy is a kind of Equine Assisted Activity and Therapy
(EAAT) in which horses are used as an integral part of therapeutic process to enhance
physical and mental health. EAT provides support for improving the ability of young
people to communicate, relate to others and increase the emotional and social impact of
children and adolescents’ functional ability. Findings from the research studies
including people with anxiety and depression indicated increase in confidence, self
esteem and assertiveness as well as a decrease in undesirable behavior.

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History of equine therapy:
The concept of using horses having been practiced from ancient Greek time
onwards, because Hippocrates described ‘Hippotherapy’ in his writings. In 1950, the
EAT is so popular in Germany, Austria and Switzerland where this therapy was used by
the physiotherapist for those with physical disabilities. In the last 20 years EAT has
evolved to include psychological therapy.
In the 19th century, German physicians suggested horseback riding to decrease
attacks of hypochondria and hysteria. Subsequently, Europeans continued to promote
and standardize therapeutic riding methods to reduce physical ailments and promote
psychological wellness. Since the 1990s, rehabilitation and mental health programs have
implemented the use of horse for youth as a part of the therapeutic process.
Common goals of EAT include:
The goal of equine assisted therapy is to help the client to develop needed skill and
attributes such as:
 Increasing assertiveness
 Honing problem-solving skills
 Improve the muscle tone
 Utilizing teamwork skills
 Building confidence
 Improving leadership skills
Unique Traits of Horses Suits with Mental Health:
Horses have the following unique characteristics which make this therapy more
effective as follows:
1. Size: As the horses are large and very impressive animal, when an individual
accomplishing the task with horses can gain more confidence, self esteem and
continues to get reinforced with the feeling of empowerment.
2. Herd Animal: Horses are basically herd animal likes to have a companion which
wants to create bond and it can be poignant when it comes to the human.
3. Mirror Behaviour: Horses are keen observer, more vigilant and sensitive to
movement and emotion because they are prey animals. Therefore they have an
inherent ability to mirror thoughts and behaviour of others. This kind of trait helps
the client to learn to reflect on his own behavior and challenge the way the client
can approach situations in his life.
4. Non-Judgemental and Unbiased: During the session with client and horse, the
horse will offer only a sense of peace because they only will react to the client's
behavior and emotions with no bias or any judgment of their emotional experience.
Indications of EAT:
Equine therapy can help the individual to build up self confidence, self-efficiency,
communication, trust, perspective, social skills, impulse control and learn boundaries.
EAT may be beneficial for patients dealing with psychosocial issues and various mental
health needs, such as (but not limited to):
 Anxiety disorders
 Psychiatric disorders
 Cerebral Palsy

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 Mood disorders
 Behavioral difficulties
 Other psychological illnesses – such as schizophrenia, ADHD, autism,
personality disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
receptive or expressive language disorders
 Major life changes such as trauma, grief, divorce and loss
 At-risk youth
 Victims of violence
 Addictions and substance abuse issues
 Learning difficulties.
Contraindications:
EAT should not be administered for the following clients:
 People who experience allergic reactions to horses or their environment.
 People who are actively dangerous to them self (Suicidal, Homicidal,
aggressive)
 People who are delirious, demented, dissociative, psychotic, and severely
confused.
 Medically unstable
 Actively substance using.
Horses chosen for EAT :
The horses chosen for the EAT must be calm, even-tempered, gentle, serviceably
sound, and well-trained both under saddle and on the ground. Equine-assisted therapy
programs try to identify horses that are calm but not lazy and physically fitted with
proper balance, structure, muscling and gaits. Suitable horses move freely and have
good quality gaits, especially the walk. Unsound horses that show any signs of lameness
are generally avoided.
Training of Horses:
Before therapy sessions begin, horses are typically allowed to run freely and eat a
good healthy meal. They shouldn’t be full of nervous energy or hungry, as this might
make them more reactive. When they’ve had a chance to exercise and eat, they might be
more ready to work. Horse trainers typically handle these details.
Types of Equine Assisted Therapy:
Equine assisted therapy will be implemented in two forms: hippotherapy and
equine assisted psychotherapy. The form of EAT will be chosen based on the needs of
the client.
1. Hippotherapy: Hippotherapy is an intervention given by licensed physical
therapist, occupational therapist, recreation therapist and speech-language therapist
which uses equine movement as part of an integrated intervention programme to
achieve functional outcome. Rhythmic, three-dimensional movement along with the
rider's interactions with the horse and responses to the movement of the horse can
improve the flexibility, posture, balance and overall function. Equine movement
resembles human walking and has a transient effect on human muscle done tone by

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stimulating the vestibular system. The therapist guides both the rider and horse to
encourage specific motor and sensory inputs.
2. Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP): Equine assisted psychotherapy is
otherwise known as Equine-facilitated psychotherapy or Equine assisted mental
health or Equine assisted counseling. This is an interactive process in which a
licensed mental health professional (MHP) working with an appropriately
credentialed equine professional partners with a suitable horse. EAP includes many
different horsemanship activities such as grooming,handling, and longeing to
facilitate emotional healing. In this interactive therapy, horse is a partner by
reflecting the patient’s true feelings. Because horses are excellent observer of
nonverbal language, the interaction can reveal information of which people aren’t
aware. Clients can learn about themself and others by involving in activities with
horses and then processing feelings and behaviour patterns.
Precautions:
The role of therapist in EAT is more important. The therapist should take care of
client physically, mentally and emotionally as well as the safety of horses. So the
therapist must be more precautious in implementing the EAT therapy for the client with
following background:
 History of animal abuse
 History of fire setting
 Suspected current or past history of physical, sexual or emotional abuse
 History of seizure disorder
 Gross obesity
 Medication side effects
 Stress-induced – reactive airway disease.
 Migraines
Role of Nurse in EAT Therapy:
 Inform: The nurse has to involve herself in information, education and
communication(IEC) about EAT therapy and correct the misperceptions.
 Refer: Refer the patients to a well qualified, licensed and credentialed professional
who can provide an EAT.
 Support: Support the clients who are receiving and received EAT.
 Personal Development: Through Equine assisted therapy, seek development of
oneself as an evolving person who provides care to others.
Conclusion:
Overall, Equine assisted therapy is a powerful approach involves licensed EAT
therapist, professional horse trainer, horses and the client collaboratively to achieve
better physical and bio-psychosocial therapeutic outcomes. As a nurse, we have a
critical role in health promotion of people in the society. Hence, we are in the position

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to identify the people, inform about EAT, refer to the licensed EAT centers and support
the people who involve in EAT.
REFERENCES
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2. https://www.healing horse singapore.org
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clinical-team-too/
6. https://www.myamericannurse.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Equine-Marg-A-
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7. https://www.littlebit.org/precautions-contraindications
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10. https://www.crchealth.com/types-of-therapy/what-is-equine-therapy/-
11. http://www.equineassistedtherapyaustralia.com.au/2017/02/equine-assisted-therapy-
for-depression/
12. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJOT-02-2017-
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