Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), Horse Therapy, Hippotherapy

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)

As we know, pets are significant parts of our life, and among them, humans and horses have maintained this relationship from the past. Generally, we use horses for transportation or beasts of burden. But today a horse becomes a key player and a perfect companion of humans. By riding a horse, you can not only feel relaxed, but you can also improve your mental health. You are probably wondering how horses can help improve mental health? Through Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Hippotherapy.

If you are suffering from mental, physical, or psychological health issues, then you should try Horse Therapy, which significantly helps to keep your mind healthy and happy. Before talking horse-riding benefits lets us look at what Equine Therapy is, and what are its benefits.

Equine Therapy

Equine Therapy, or Horse Therapy, is an umbrella that includes so many beneficial activities involving horses, such as Hippotherapy. In this therapy, you can utilize the horse movement for physical, occupational, or speech therapy.

Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy has been used to treat motor and sensory issues related to stroke, cerebral palsy, and other mental problems. Since the end of the 5th century, physical therapy was used, but after the 1960s, Hippotherapy was established for mental health.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a type of practical psychotherapy that uses horses for the treatment of psychological and behavioral issues. And of course, nowadays this therapy is very well-known throughout the world.

As you know, horses are large and powerful animals, which allows people to overcome their fears and feel more confident in their daily life. Horses also help people to make decisions easier and respond to people’s intentions and actions. Here are some ways in which Equine Assisted Psychotherapy works to improve mental, as well as physical health.

Related:
Therapy Dogs Have Many Uses: Animal Assisted Therapy

Benefits of Horse Therapy

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is used to cure so many mental issues like:

  • Substance Abuse
  • Depression
  • Behavioral issues
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Nervousness
  • Hypertension
  • Communication Issues
  • Relationship issues

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy sessions include a therapist and a horse-handler. EAP includes activities like choosing, grooming, walking a horse, role-playing, role reversal, and mirroring. After each session, patients share their feelings related to therapy with experts.

As per one patient, this therapy gives him the benefits listed here:

  • Self-Awareness
  • Confidence
  • Happiness
  • Relaxation
  • Empowerment
  • Self-Control
  • Concentration
  • Improve interpersonal relationships

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy – factors to consider

Fear: EAP therapy helps to treat nervousness and increase a person’s self-motivation level. EAP also boosts the confidence level and helps improve memory.

Timing: Depending on the challenges the client is facing, there are time-related considerations for EAP. For example, when someone is faced with addiction, proper timing is essential for adequate treatment.

Cost: Therapy is now well-known for improving mental health. Though it is famous, this therapy does not include insurance benefits. Treatment fees vary, depending on time and location.

Related:
Benefits of Integrating Animals Into The Classroom

How does horse therapy help to improve mental health?

Horse-riding benefits include a large number of emotional and psychological issues. Here we list a few benefits of horse therapy, which can improve your overall mental and physical health.

It Makes Us Happy and Healthy

As we know, human interaction with animals helps to improve your mood. Research has shown that spending time with animals can reduce problems like depression, stress, nervousness, and can help to increase happiness and develop a positive attitude.

We Stay Fit

We know there is a connection between physical and mental health, and horse-riding is an ideal way to take care of your physical as well as mental health. Riding a horse works the muscles, increases strength, and helps with balance, which improves the posture. The client’s body will become healthy and fit.

Horses Rely on Us

Animals rely on us for things like food, shelter, and care. Working with horses, we learn what is necessary for their care and daily needs. Based on that, we can learn to understand the horse’s emotions and vice versa.

Conclusion

A double horse trailer can be used to transfer the horse from one place to another. If the horse enjoys traveling, this also improves the horse’s health

 

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“Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), Horse Therapy, Hippotherapy”

Guest Writer: Lisa Allen works at Cheval Trailers as a community manager. Cheval Liberté trailers have been designed and developed to provide high levels of comfort and safety for the transportation of horses, with easy towing and handling qualities for the trailer since 1995. Cheval Liberté trailers is a leading manufacturer of horse trailers, single and double horse trailers across the UK and Ireland.

 

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