By Jennifer Rae Vliet - ThePlainTruth.com
Anyone with any level of self-awareness can attest to feeling something very unique when they are in the presence of a horse. It is no wonder as they are also very special and significant to God as we can see horses mentioned in the Bible over 150 times. In scripture they are used both literally and figuratively. We read about how David formed an actual chariot calvary of 100 horses and we also see equine used as a comparative and metaphorical reminder of the immense strength of God. Then of course the chilling accounts of the Four Horsemen and all that they and their horses signify in prophecy.
Fast forward to the days of our reliance on them as America was progressing in efficiency and modernity. We had nearly become one with them, finding a dependence for travel and farming, for mail delivery...even as trustworthy companions in combat and of course so much more. Anyone with a love for history and horses can see their value and espouse a continued appreciation...holding them in high regard.
Today, you can just do a search for horse therapy experiences and some of the most beautiful sites you will ever see will pop up hoping you will make it a priority to attend their equine retreats and experiential workshops. Studies do show how spending time with the horse kind can add to one's life in so many different ways. Therapies include and are not limited to helping the disabled, helping those dealing with various levels of autism, presented as necessary distractions for cancer patients, and provides much needed healing for our veterans who are plagued with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Overall, they bring a sense of peace and calm and help focus us in the moment which in itself is important and healing. In a day where there are so many distractions, crazy and overwhelming news, and the pace of life is just way too fast...being with a horse can be centering and life giving. For those of us grounded in our faith and with having an understanding of the awesome creativity of God, it makes sense that maybe what we are sensing in their presence is something spiritual and directly related to our Creator...the true Healer.
Here is an interesting column from WithersforWarriors...
studies suggest:
In the evolving landscape of therapeutic practices, equine therapy emerges as a compelling modality that bridges the ancient bond between humans and horses with contemporary healing methodologies. At its core, equine therapy encompasses a range of treatments involving interactions with horses to promote physical, emotional, and mental health benefits in people. This form of therapy is not new; historically, the therapeutic value of horses has been recognized for centuries, with documented instances of horse-assisted activities dating back to the classical civilizations of Greece. Yet, it is the scientific underpinning and systematic application in modern therapeutic contexts that lend equine therapy its current significance and burgeoning interest among practitioners and patients alike.
Equine therapy is predicated on the premise that interactions with horses can lead to significant psychological and physiological benefits. Horses, with their unique sensitivity to human emotions and non-verbal cues, provide immediate feedback to the actions and emotions of their human counterparts, creating a dynamic platform for therapy. This interaction facilitates a variety of therapeutic goals, including the improvement of individuals’ emotional regulation, enhancement of social skills, and the strengthening of motor skills.
Today we delve into the scientific rationale that supports equine therapy as a legitimate and effective therapeutic approach. It aims to uncover the theoretical foundations that explain how and why equine therapy works, supported by empirical evidence from research studies and practical observations. By examining the psychological theories and physiological mechanisms at play, as well as reviewing the modalities of equine therapy and their specific applications, we provide a comprehensive overview of the science behind equine therapy.
The significance of exploring the science behind equine therapy lies not only in validating its effectiveness but also in understanding the nuances that make it a unique and powerful tool in mental health treatment and rehabilitation. As the demand for holistic and integrative therapeutic practices grows, equine therapy stands out as a modality that offers a holistic approach to healing, encompassing the physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions of well-being. Through this exploration,we aim to contribute to the broader dialogue on therapeutic innovation and the future of mental health treatment, underscoring the indispensable role of equine therapy in the therapeutic landscape.
Theoretical Foundations of Equine Therapy
The effectiveness of equine therapy, though empirically evident in many instances, is grounded in a complex interplay of psychological theories and physiological principles. Understanding these foundational theories is essential for grasping why equine therapy has emerged as a viable and beneficial therapeutic modality.
Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework of equine therapy is rooted in the biopsychosocial model of health, which posits that biological, psychological, and social factors all play a significant role in human health and disease. Equine therapy, by integrating interactions with horses into therapeutic practices, leverages these multifaceted dimensions to promote healing and well-being. The presence of horses in therapy sessions offers a unique combination of biofeedback mechanisms and psychological engagement that is distinct from traditional therapy environments.
Psychological Theories
- Attachment Theory: Attachment theory suggests that the quality of relationships in early childhood significantly influences an individual’s emotional health. Horses can act as “transitional objects,” facilitating emotional connections and providing a sense of security and comfort to individuals. The non-judgmental nature of horses, combined with their responsiveness to human behavior, creates a safe space for individuals to explore attachment behaviors and emotional responses.
- Biofeedback Theory: This theory involves the process of gaining awareness and control over physiological functions through the use of immediate feedback. Horses naturally respond to human emotions and physical states, providing instant feedback to the handler or rider. This interaction can help individuals become more attuned to their emotional and physiological states, facilitating self-regulation and emotional control.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Theories: Cognitive-behavioral theories focus on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Equine therapy can be structured to challenge negative thought patterns, provide opportunities for correcting cognitive distortions, and develop more adaptive behaviors and coping strategies. The experiential learning aspect of equine therapy, where participants engage in tasks with horses, can reinforce positive behavioral and cognitive changes.
Physiological Perspectives
The interaction with horses also has a direct impact on human physiology, which can be beneficial in therapy. Key physiological effects include:
- Stress Reduction: Interacting with horses has been shown to lower levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, and increase levels of positive neurochemicals, such as endorphins and oxytocin, which are associated with stress relief and feelings of well-being.
- Sensory Stimulation: The physical interaction with horses, including grooming, petting, and riding, provides sensory input that can be particularly beneficial for individuals with sensory integration issues, such as those on the autism spectrum. This sensory input can help in regulating the sensory system and promoting calmness and focus.
- Hormone Regulation: The presence of horses and the bond formed through therapeutic activities can stimulate the production of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” which plays a role in social bonding and emotional regulation.
The theoretical foundations of equine therapy provide a multifaceted understanding of its effectiveness. By incorporating elements from attachment theory, biofeedback, and cognitive-behavioral principles, along with recognizing the physiological impacts of human-animal interactions, equine therapy offers a rich, integrative approach to treatment. This complex theoretical base not only supports the efficacy of equine therapy but also underscores its potential as a therapeutic tool in addressing a wide range of psychological and physiological issues.
Modalities of Equine Therapy
Equine therapy encompasses several distinct modalities, each designed to leverage the unique benefits of human-horse interaction to meet various therapeutic goals. These modalities cater to different needs, ranging from mental health support to educational and developmental benefits, and even physical rehabilitation. Understanding the specific approaches within equine therapy helps to appreciate its versatility and the broad spectrum of conditions it can address. READ MORE>>>>
For our veterans, I found this promising snippet from dvnf.org:
A combination of evidence-based practices and theories are utilized in conjunction with the therapy horse as means of helping our nation’s heroes overcome their invisible wounds in StableStrides’ Equine Assisted Therapy program. Equine Assisted Therapy assists veterans with post-traumatic stress symptoms by processing and facilitating the reconnection between thoughts and feelings and, more specifically, learning to approach rather than avoid emotions and uncomfortable situations. This therapeutic process uses experiential learning and is solutions-focused meaning veterans are challenged to find solutions to problems in a timely and effective manner using the horse as a medium; learning is then applied and translated into everyday life. Veterans develop an awareness of their impact on the environment and make adjustments to produce the desired outcome.
After only his third Equine Assisted Therapy session at StableStrides, one veteran felt compelled to let go of a very heavy reminder from his past. For over 10 years this veteran had kept a large mangled piece of metal as a reminder. The piece of mangled mental was a broken piston from a vehicle that was used as an I.E.D. in Iraq…and an attack in which he was in charge of cleaning up the aftermath. After learning how horses are able to let go of the past and live in the present, this veteran decided he too was ready to live in the present and decided to leave the mangled metal reminder he’d carried for so long with the StableStrides team for good. SOURCE
In closing out this segment of Your Health Today...here are three short videos that show this emotionally moving therapy, in action....
We hope you enjoyed this Your Health Today segment from The Plain Truth dot com. It is one of our top missions to encourage everyone to learn God's way of healing and to follow His path to health and wellbeing; this way your life and your families' lives will be blessed!
If any of our readership has had any experiences with horse therapy, we invite you to share in the comments section.
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