Hippotherapy: Horses Help You

In history there has always been an excellent relationship between man and horse. This splendid animal has been of great help to man on many fronts: in working in the fields, as a means of transport and also as a friend with whom to take long walks in the midst of nature.

What does hippotherapy consist of?

Hippotherapy is an integral therapy given by professionals in which all the qualities of the horse are exploited to treat or improve health problems, of an emotional, intellectual or physical nature, embracing areas such as horse riding, health and education.

This type of therapy does not replace the others, on the contrary, it is an integrative therapy and many studies have confirmed that it helps to correct posture, produces improvements in the development of motor activities, muscle tone and even the behavior of children suffering from cerebral palsy. , paraplegia and people with sensory difficulties.

There are several criticisms of this type of therapy with horses. Many are against it because they do not believe there is a scientific basis that justifies such therapeutic and curative methods, but there are also many experts who are in favor of it and who believe that hippotherapy  is very effective for treating different types of diseases and disabilities.

Diseases that can be treated with hippotherapy

Obviously being in contact with animals and in the open area brings benefits to each of us, but with hippotherapy we want to alleviate and cure diseases, using different therapeutic programs. Here is a list of cases in which a hippotherapy treatment can bring benefits:

– It can be very useful for people suffering from emotional disorders, adaptation problems and even eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.

– This therapy is also recommended for children with school problems, learning difficulties, hyperactivity and lack of motivation.

– People and children with Down syndrome or autism have benefited greatly from the treatment of hippotherapy.

– Hippotherapy is also indicated for the treatment of neurological diseases such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, mental and psychiatric disorders, psychomotor delays, hearing and sensory disabilities or neuro-degenerative diseases.

Healing principles of hippotherapy

Hippotherapy  is based on healing principles, such as the transmission of body heat. The temperature of the horse is usually one degree higher than that of the human being, this causes heat to be generated, making the muscles of the rider relax. Hippotherapy therefore has a psychotherapeutic value and is suitable for  people and children with muscle problems.

Another principle is based on the horse’s way of walking, very similar to that of man. Riding a horse and seeing everything from another perspective is very important for people with low self-esteem or in a wheelchair.

The transmission of rhythmic impulses improves coordination, strengthening muscle mass and helping the body to relax. It also has many benefits for people with  respiratory problems.

Hippotherapy programs

Hippotherapy uses different work areas and programs, among which we can distinguish:

Therapeutic riding, which consists in taking care of the horse, feeding it, brushing it, bathing it and of course mounting it. Several balance exercises are also performed while riding. This technique is specifically indicated for people with physical, intellectual or sensory disabilities.

Adapted and social horseback riding, another work area in which one gets on horseback essentially to carry out a playful activity for sporting purposes. Highly recommended for people with any kind of disability, who are in good physical condition and who can control the horse.

Finally, there is “assisted” riding  dedicated to those who, due to their disabilities, are unable to ride a horse independently. Here we have the  help of experts who assist the disabled at all times. Through this program you work on muscle tone, psychomotor skills, communication, sociability and self-esteem.