A few weeks ago, I visited Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding
Center, a premier accredited PATH, Intl. riding center in southern Colorado.
Since Purina is a corporate partner of PATH, Intl., I wanted to get a better
understanding of how these centers were using horses as therapy. Collectively
called Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT), the team here runs a
variety of programs designed to help people througgh the use of horses.
It was very interesting to learn the many disabilities
and challenges EAAT are being used to treat. Anywhere from spinal injuries to
congenital disabilities, even emotional trauma has been addressed with the use
of horses. Most of us horse owners know the stress relief an afternoon ride can
offer and the muscle workout horse ownership in general can provide so it was
amazing to see people with no prior horse history be affected and find success
in their therapies. Almost every aspect of the horse can be a tool in recovery;
their warmth in helping muscles loosen up, their natural gait simulating a
person’s, their size in building confidence, even their listening skills give
people the encouragement to open up or take an active part in their therapy.
These centers have gone through great lengths to adapt the seemingly simple
activity of riding or being around a horse so it is accessible to people of all
abilities. There are wheel chair ramps modified to be mounting blocks, a full
staff of volunteers and specific tack and rider gear to make sure everyone
enjoys their experience safely.
Now of course not every horse is a therapy horse and each
of these animals is carefully screened and tested to make sure they are fit for
the job. The welfare of the horses is also at the top of the priority list;
after all they are as crucial to the program as their human therapist
counterparts. In addition to all the necessary feeding, farrier and veterinary
care these horses need, each horse’s schedule is closely managed to prevent
over or under use, each horse has designated tack and equipment to ensure
correct fit and each horse get exercised and ridden by staff members to keep
them stimulated and in shape. While many of these horses do tend to be a bit
more mature and many are in their second careers, it was very clear that size,
color, breed and age are not the determining factors as much as whether or not
they have what it takes to become a therapy horse.
EAAT is increasingly being recognized for its
effectiveness in helping a variety of people. Earlier this year, PATH, Intl.
partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project nationwide to help offer EAAT to
service personnel. While many centers have been working with members of the
military for some time, this partnership will increase the availability of
these services.
Those of us who own horses are touched by them every day
and know what they bring to our lives. It’s nice to be reminded once in a while
that us horse people aren’t crazy; they really are good for the mind, body and
soul.
To learn more about PATH, Intl. or to find a center near you, visit www.pathintl.org.
Equine therapy has become trendy these days especially for performance horses. It provides an innovative environment in which the therapist and the patient can identify and address a range of emotional and behavioral challenges.
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