Horse Therapy and Autism

Horse therapy and horse-riding are two very different things. This blog post will focus solely on horse therapy – but it will also explain why it differs from horse-riding. Read on to find out more..

So, let’s start with the basics – what is horse therapy?

Horse therapy is referred to as a ‘treatment strategy.’ This consists of the individual with autism being on the horse, a horse handler and a therapist. The therapist is usually one of the following;

a physical therapist,
occupational therapist
speech and language therapist.

The therapist will give instructions to the horse handler to guide the horse.

Horse therapy is also known as ‘Equine Therapy,’ It is a huge benefit for individuals with autism because of;

The sensory feel/sensation that the individual will get from riding a horse
The emotional sensations that the individual will get from riding a horse
and the motor sensations that the individual will get from riding a horse.

What are the sensory benefits?

Riding a horse requires a lot of balance and spatial orientation. If an individual doesn’t have great balance, the therapists are there to help hold them. They can also guide them to balance and correct their posture. Riding the horse will help the individual to awaken their vestibular sense organs. Speed, change of direction and the change of incline can help to awaken these organs. That is what gives the individual the sensory experiences that they crave. Experiencing this will keep the individual engaged. The individual will also be excited to take part in horse therapy.

Social and Emotional Skills

In an autism diagnosis, one of the main signs are difficulties with emotional bonds. As well as connecting with others on a social level.

This includes eye contact, communicating, express themselves and showing empathy. Many of our children struggle with verbal communication. Many many be totally non-verbal. This makes verbal communication pretty impossible for them at their current stage.

One of the benefits of horse therapy, is that they don’t have to verbally communicate with the horse. The individual can communicate with the horse on a more physical level instead. They can pat them, brush them, kick them with their feet to make them go, guide them with the reins to where they want to go. Many families have reported that horse therapy has actually improved their child’s communication. They reported that they felt the individual was motivated to communicate. They knew what they wanted, they had connected with the horse and they knew what they wanted to request.

Horses are used by therapists in many different ways. This is to suit the individual riding them. Their main goal is to be able to help them reach the individual through ‘hippotherapy’. Hippotherapy basically means to ‘treat an individual with the help of a horse.’ Therapists will receive training and get certified before they can call themselves ‘hippotherapists’

Where can you go for horse therapy?

Ask your child’s school, social worker, and therapists if they can recommend anywhere. It’s always best to try somewhere that has been recommended to you. Then you will know someone else has had a positive experience here. You don’t want to go somewhere and have a negative experience for the first time. This may put the individual off horse therapy altogether. Horse therapy is not cheap and can cost a few thousand each year for your child to access the program. But, there are now many great ways that you can apply for grants or fundraise in the community.

What are the main differences between horse therapy and horse riding?

Horse therapy involves trained therapists as well as a horse handler.
The therapists are trained to ensure correct posture for the individual. This ensures the individual is receiving all the benefits.
Horse therapy requires that the therapist involved is hands-on throughout the entire session.
Many horse riding lessons can be tailored to suit individuals needs. Especially those with autism. This is usually parents – or staff – providing information. Whereas horse therapy has information from trained therapists.
Horse therapy occurs year round, on a 1 to 1 session.
The instructor in a horse riding lesson can be on a horse to show what to do. Or they will be on the floor and give commands.
Horse riding lessons generally take part in groups – unless you pay more for 1:1 sessions.

After reading the benefits, I believe that horse therapy can be used for anyone. Not just individuals with Autism. It can be helpful for individuals on so many levels, diagnoses and abilities.