Equine therapy field growing as more people see horses' benefits
Horse & Hound|September 07, 2023
Horses are helping people with mental health issues, dementia and terminal illness, and more are being referred for therapy by health professionals
Equine therapy field growing as more people see horses' benefits

THE equine-assisted therapy field is continuing to grow as more people see the benefits horses can offer.

Dementia, mental health and terminal illness are some areas in which equine-assisted therapy is proving beneficial, and providers are reporting an increase in patients referred by social prescribing (when health professionals refer patients to community support).

The Way of the Horse, founded by Dina Shale, treats children and adults for conditions such as stress, anxiety and trauma – including those who come to her via social prescribing. The business also offers training courses on delivering equine therapy.

“We’re seeing the industry grow, especially with people who are not horsey. Most of the people that come to us have never been around horses but they are looking for an answer and we have the solution,” Ms Shale told H&H.

“Our programmes are ‘trauma-informed’, so it’s teaching people to develop and understand their bodies. We use horses to demonstrate the fight and flight mechanism and we help people to understand what stress is and how it manifests in the body.

"Our bodies do the same sort of thing as horses' do when they are scared of things; when we feel fear, we respond either by going into fight or flight.

When you understand the basics of the science behind what is happening in your body when you feel anxious or stressed, you have a chance to calm that nervous system and the tools to regulate it."

Grace Olson of Heaven Stone Healing provides equine-assisted therapy to people with terminal illnesses, and has had clients referred via social prescribing. She told H&H the equine-assisted therapy industry is "talked about more".

This story is from the September 07, 2023 edition of Horse & Hound.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 07, 2023 edition of Horse & Hound.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HORSE & HOUNDView All
'He's a terrier - a very classy terrier'
Horse & Hound

'He's a terrier - a very classy terrier'

Jonbon emulates some legendary chasers as a dual Tingle Creek victor, and trainer Dan Skelton scores a seasonal century

time-read
2 mins  |
December 12, 2024
Rupert
Horse & Hound

Rupert

This beautiful master's horse hates quad bikes and is \"scared of his rug\" but is dearly loved by both Nigel Peel and his son Jamie

time-read
3 mins  |
December 12, 2024
London's landmark moments
Horse & Hound

London's landmark moments

What makes London so special for dressage fans? Oscar Williams delves into its unique history, speaking to experts about their most treasured memories and the show's remarkable evolution in the sport

time-read
4 mins  |
December 12, 2024
Golden oldies take centre stage
Horse & Hound

Golden oldies take centre stage

The finals at London International are among the most regarded championships on the senior showing circuit. Alex Robinson investigates the finals and what's contributed to their popularity

time-read
5 mins  |
December 12, 2024
Winter wrapped up
Horse & Hound

Winter wrapped up

With the long-range weather forecast suggesting a chilly winter ahead, how can equestrians prepare for the challenges of frost, ice and snow? Stephanie Bateman finds out

time-read
5 mins  |
December 12, 2024
Party time
Horse & Hound

Party time

From Whitaker vs Whitaker football matches to a hunting choir roaring carols, top riders know how to let their hair down at Christmastime. Netia Walker unearths the best festive parties

time-read
6 mins  |
December 12, 2024
Rocking their world
Horse & Hound

Rocking their world

Rocking horses were once a common fixture in children's playrooms - or a charming trinket on a Christmas tree. Now, some are getting a new lease of life for grown-up enthusiasts, finds Liz Falkingham

time-read
6 mins  |
December 12, 2024
Winter watering
Horse & Hound

Winter watering

Maintaining a horse's water intake is crucial, but can be tricky in the colder months. Karen Coumbe MRCVS explains why, and how to help

time-read
5 mins  |
December 12, 2024
Shetland Pony Grand National organiser
Horse & Hound

Shetland Pony Grand National organiser

Sebastian Garner on whittling down applicants, playing headmaster and the joy of watching Shetlands at full lick

time-read
3 mins  |
December 12, 2024
Peder Fredricson
Horse & Hound

Peder Fredricson

The Swedish flagbearer and four-time Olympic medallist tells Jennifer Donald about 2024's ups and downs, the key to social licence and silver linings

time-read
8 mins  |
December 12, 2024