When you think of horses, you might picture them as giant, majestic puppies or a cowboy's partner in crime, but they can be so much more than that. They can be your child’s therapist — well, sort of! Horses, with their gentle, humanlike gait, help improve balance and coordination, acting as a sort of physical and occupational therapist. And their perceptive and empathetic nature offers a soothing presence that can ease emotional stress and promote overall well-being, making them excellent therapeutic companions for individuals with disabilities.
In this article, experts Patti Bauman, co-founder of Let’s Ride Therapeutic Equestrian Program, and Michelle Newman, executive director and head instructor at AHEAD With Horses, help us explore how these gentle giants can be used to help children with disabilities in a variety of different ways.
Horse therapy is an experience-based treatment that can help children with disabilities ages two and older address physical, emotional, psychiatric, occupational, and speech therapy needs. It involves a child working with a certified therapist, experienced horse handlers, and a suitable horse. While some children under five with disabilities like Down syndrome may not be ready for horseback riding due to their developing necks and muscles, they can still participate in safe and effective ground-based activities with horses.
Horse therapy comes in many forms, each using unique approaches to achieve various healing outcomes. Today, we will be exploring the four main typesof horse therapy: equine-assisted psychotherapy, equine-assisted learning, therapeutic horseback riding, and hippotherapy.
Equine-assisted psychotherapy blends traditional psychotherapy techniques with horse interactions. Here, a licensed mental health professional and a qualified horse professional team up to help individuals build self-awareness, communication skills, and trust, while working through trauma and behavioral patterns.
During these sessions, individuals typically remain on the ground and engage in various activities and interactions with the horse, such as grooming, leading, and observing their behaviors. These interactions help replicate real-life situations and help individuals explore their own emotional and psychological challenges with a talk therapist as their guide. This type of therapy can be beneficial for individuals of all ages.
This type of therapy is conducted by a certified therapeutic riding instructor (not a psychologist) who offers emotional support by teaching horseback riding lessons to individuals with physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges. These lessons are meant to boost self-confidence and social interactions, while also helping riders build strength, balance, and coordination. During these sessions, riders work on various horseback riding skills, such as stopping, mounting, and steering.
This type of therapy is commonly used for individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sensory processing disorders, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
This type of therapy uses horses to help individuals work on developing life skills. Horses naturally mirror human behavior, offering instant feedback that helps guide individuals through the skills they are working on mastering. Through activities like grooming or riding, participants work on developing communication, problem solving, teamwork, positive behavior, and emotional regulation.
EAL is beneficial for people of all ages and abilities, promoting self-awareness and personal growth in a supportive and interactive environment.
Hippotherapy uses horses to help individuals build muscle coordination, sensory processing, and motor skills functions like walking and talking. This is conducted with an occupational or physical therapist who specializes in horse therapy. Their job is to select specific movements of the horse to help stimulate certain parts of the rider’s joints and muscles. And don’t worry — no hippopotamuses are involved, just horses!
This type of equine therapy can be beneficial for individuals with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, developmental delays, and sensory processing disorders.
Horses offer unique approaches to help kids with disabilities. Here are some of the key benefits:
Emotional Benefits:
Physical Benefits:
Cognitive Benefits:
The benefits of horse therapy can vary depending on the child's individual needs and goals. Newman shares some examples of how horse therapy has helped kids with different challenges: “For the kids that have really low tone, the movement of the horse helps strengthen their muscles, especially their core, which I know for some that can be really difficult. How do you build your core besides doing stomach crunches? Sitting up, you have to use all those muscles as the horse is continually moving. For kids with spasticity, especially some kids with cerebral palsy, if they're very tight, the movement of the horse helps relax their muscles and loosen them, and will naturally move their body in the proper way of walking. So some of our students that hadn't been walking independently learned to take their first steps because the horse has been moving them and teaching their body how to move properly. Or you can see for some kids who are very stiff as they're walking up, when you see them walking away from the horse, how much smoother their gait is because they've been stretched and taught how to do that. We've also had some of our students who have said their first word on a horse. A lot of people don't realize that the movement of the horse stimulates the brain. And one of the areas that stimulates is vocalization, so a lot of the kids will start making more noise or talking more. All the different exercises also help with motor planning, balance, and both gross motor and fine motor skills. So there's a whole bunch of different things it's really working on.”
It's important to work with a qualified instructor or therapist who can assess your child's unique situation and develop a personalized treatment plan to address their specific areas of need. Newman adds, “We work with kids with so many different varying abilities and so we want to tailor it to each particular child… And sometimes we have good days, some days we have bad days, and just work through the process.”
Check out this video clip, as Newman shares how horse therapy can help individuals with disabilities.
The goals of horse therapy are shaped by the unique needs of the individual. According to Bauman, most types of horse therapy typically focus on five main core objectives: communication, balance, strength, focus, and confidence. However, the specific areas of emphasis are determined by a doctor’s evaluation. A significant advantage of working with horses is the flexibility to tailor the therapy to each child’s individual needs, maximizing the benefits of their therapeutic experience.
Before beginning horseback riding, participants typically start with groundwork activities. This involves walking alongside the horse, tacking, feeding, and grooming it. This initial step helps build comfort and confidence for the child around such a large animal. Depending on the child's specific needs and limitations, some types of horse therapy may focus exclusively on groundwork. Newman mentions, “Each session is personalized to meet the individual needs of each child. We work with a wide range of abilities, so our sessions are tailored to each child's specific needs. Sometimes, even on a daily basis, a child may face challenges that require adjustments. External factors like weather can also affect our sessions. Some days are great, while others are more difficult. We focus on overcoming sensory issues, fatigue, and other challenges that may impact a child's ability to participate. “ Working from the ground up provides certified trainers the opportunity to assess the child's comfort level and tailor the therapeutic experience accordingly.
Join Newman as she explains how they tailor horse therapy to your child’s unique needs.
To keep children with disabilities safe during horse therapy sessions, a team of qualified professionals and the relevant specialized adaptive equipment are essential. Most types of horse therapy involve a team of trained volunteers to assist the child: typically, two volunteers walk alongside the horse to provide support, while another person leads the horse. The certified therapist or instructor then leads the child through therapeutic exercises and tasks.
Adaptive devices are important in allowing children with varying disabilities to ride and interact with the horse safely. In speaking with Bauman, these adaptive devices give children the freedom to safely receive the therapy that they need. Here are some adaptive devices commonly used in horse therapy.
Bauman also mentions that parents should avoid any equipment that straps their child into the saddle, as this could be dangerous in case of a fall.
But the adaptive devices don’t stop here! Join Newman as she breaks down in this video some other forms of adaptive equipment and accommodations that can allow your child to get the most out of horse therapy safely.
With hundreds of horse therapy programs available, each offering unique therapeutic approaches, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. Begin by asking your child's doctor for recommendations on local programs. If they're unfamiliar with local programs, you may need to conduct your own research. To find horse therapy programs near you, explore reputable databases such as Eagala programs, PATH international, and CHA certifications by location.
Here are some important questions to ask when evaluating horse therapy programs:
By asking these questions, you can ensure that the program you choose is safe, experienced, and well-suited to your child's needs.
It’s equally important to know when horse therapy might not be the right fit for your child. Certain disabilities or conditions, such as brittle bone disease, might make it unsuitable. Consulting with your child’s healthcare provider can help you determine whether horse therapy is a safe choice for your child.
Horse therapy revolves around creating a personalized care plan with exercises and activities tailored to each child's unique needs. This is quite different from regular horseback riding lessons. While a child with a disability can certainly enjoy a horseback riding class, it's important to ensure that the facility offers adaptive tools to make riding safe and accessible.
Here’s a list below of programs that offer various types of horse therapy:
While horse therapy can offer significant benefits, securing funding for it can often be a complex process. To increase your chances of success, explore the following potential ways to get horse therapy covered.
Private health insurance
Check your health insurance coverage for occupational therapy or physical therapy, as some horse therapy programs may fall under these categories. According to Leslie Lobel, Undivided's director of health plan advocacy, if the horse therapist is a licensed physical therapist, occupational therapist, or mental health professional, you're more likely to receive insurance coverage. If horse therapy is not directly covered, inquire about out-of-network benefits, but be aware of potential limitations and high deductibles. If horse therapy isn't covered, advocate for its inclusion as a covered benefit by contacting your insurance provider and emphasizing its importance for your child's well-being.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
To determine whether horse therapy qualifies as a medical expense under your HSA or FSA plan, carefully review your plan's specific guidelines. While many plans include physical therapy as a qualifying expense, the eligibility of horse therapy may vary based on the provider's qualifications, the nature of the therapy, and the specific medical conditions being addressed.
Regional Centers If you live in California, Regional Centers may provide funding for horse therapy, especially if it's not covered by your health insurance, as it falls under Social/Recreational Services and Non-Medical Therapies. The Self-Determination Program, in particular, may also be more receptive to funding horse therapy if it aligns with your child's Individualized Program Plan (IPP) goals.
Follow along as Newman shares some additional information about the Regional Center and self-determination funding for horse therapy.
For additional information, check out our article How Do We Pay For It All? Undivided’s Guide to Funding Resources.
If you still find yourself struggling to find coverage, connect with other parents who have successfully navigated the funding process for horse therapy. Their experiences can offer valuable insights and potential resources. Remember to consult with your child's healthcare provider and horse therapy provider for personalized guidance on funding options and eligibility requirements. With a little determination and ingenuity, you can find ways to make horse therapy a reality for your child.
Horse therapy is a powerful and engaging way to help kids with disabilities grow and develop. From boosting confidence to improving physical skills, kids can have a unique therapeutic experience with these majestic creatures. So, whether your child is brushing a horse or learning to ride, there’s a world of healing to discover with these amazing animals. Happy trails to you and your little one on this journey!
For more fun therapies, check out our Music therapy and Art in therapy.
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