What is horse therapy?

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: equine-assisted psychotherapy, equine-assisted learning, therapeutic horseback riding, and hippotherapy.

Read more about horse therapy in our article Horse Therapy 101.