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Horses Healing Since Ancient Times

Did you know that horses were partnered with humans for therapy & healing and written about by Hippocrates the ancient Greek physician between 460-375 B.C.? That's over 2,400 years ago. It's also noted in the 1600's that physicians utilized horse therapy to help heal physical & mental illnesses.

You don't need to have a trained equine therapist to gain the benefits of having a horse as your special friend. Just having a trusting relationship with them, talking to them, brushing, and walking them has many health benefits. If you like riding, you'll see more improvements in overall health. I can personally say that horses have helped me heal from stress and mental & emotional burnout.

In 2011, a new provision recognizes miniature horses as a service animal in the Americans With Disabilities regulations. Mini's as they're called, are included because horses are very intelligent & intuitive animals, and they're close in size to large dogs and can easily get around inside a home or public place.

A Common Human Problem

FYI: These survey statistics in the USA over the past several years are SCARY -- 83% of working adults report experiencing stress at their workplace. In 2023, 1 out of 5 people have taken time off from work due to poor mental health from stress. In 2020, 49% say that work stress has affected their behavior in a negative way. And a whopping 76% say they don't get good sleep because of work stress.

Stress was my big problem when I first started volunteering at a therapeutic horse facility. I chose this non-profit horse facility because I love horses, dogs, and other adorable animals. Even though I've healed and feel like "me" again, helping others and growing my relationship with horses keep me volunteering every week.

I love all the horses at the therapy ranch, and encourage anyone to give it a try. Just like the special bonds you form with friends - horses can provide a lasting bond with you. They are amazing animals. Embrace new healing possibilities.

• Horses can be great problem solvers. Give them opportunities to solve problems and watch them think, instead of training them to do everything. They learn very quickly if you give them clear direction.

• Horses are great communicators - using body language, vocalization, head, ear, and tail movements, and facial expressions. They can read small movements in body language and facial expressions.

• Horses can feel - and understand - our feelings and emotions including anger, anxiety, and sadness. They can also feel lonely, the emotional trauma of abuse, and get depressed just like humans.

• Horses are intuitive and want to comfort those who are emotionally hurt, or be protective of those who are hurt, young, or disabled.

• Horses adapt quickly and can adjust their style of communication depending on the person/horse or situation.

• In the wild, horses are prey animals, concerned with survival & safety. This is why they need to learn & adapt quickly, problem solve, and communicate efficiently. In a herd, no matter if it's 2 or 20, you'll see the dominant horse communicating with other horses to move out of the way, stay put, or wait your turn.

• Since horses have similar social behaviors as humans - it's easy for us to connect with them. You may see them mimicking your movements or feelings. This non-judgmental form of communication puts you at ease and helps you realize that horses can understand your feelings. They're great listeners & companions.

• As humans, we need to be sensitive to what the horse is trying to communicate with us. Remember: each horse is different, some are better at some things than others, or maybe the horse is feeling pain. Unless you raised them, every horse has lived thru different experiences - good or bad.

Horses Help Heal the Whole Person

FYI: If you don't want riding lessons, ask about volunteering. You don't need to ride to experience healing. If you need therapeutic riding or non-riding lessons for a diagnosed condition, there's assistance programs that help with costs in the USA. Check federal, state, and local programs.

1. You'll experience healing for health conditions affecting your body, mind, and emotions. In non-riding sessions, your special horse friend will begin healing stress, emotional & developmental conditions.

2. You'r upper & lower body muscles will be worked, as well as balance & mobility.

3. A horse with a big personality will engage & entertain you - and love and laughter are always great medicine?

4. By connecting with your horse, you become part of his/her family. And being outdoors in nature provides added health benefits to enjoy.

5. Connecting with a horse keeps you in the moment, which is calming and stress reducing.

6. Horses make good companions just like dogs - they're intuitive and sensitive. Talk with them, get to know them, and feel your troubles melt away giving you a sense of peace. Insecurities will disappear as confidence grows.

If you spend consistent time with your horse friend, you'll begin to feel lighter, with maybe even get that pep in your step back. Animal friends are one of the best ways to hit the "refresh & recharge" button. That's a big WIN in my book.

Therapeutic healing includes improvements in: physical strength, cognitive/mental functions, emotional health, confidence, independence, social skills, communication, trust, perspective, impulse control, and learning boundaries.

Anxiety, Stress, Depression

Stress is a leading health concern around the world due to a variety of causes. Anxiety however, develops from past experiences and/or future fears. It can be paralyzing & cause depression. Horses really help stress/anxiety conditions by calming your nervous system.

Mental Health & Behavioral Disorders

PTSD-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, ADHD-Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, autism, eating disorders, substance abuse, and others.

Horses are comforting, consistent, calming, and keep us focused on the present moment. Both horse & human can nurture each other.

Other Health Conditions

Cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, spinal cord injury, head injury, arthritis, and more. Horse therapy has provided relief of some symptoms including pain allowing the person to live a better quality of life. Others are able to function as if healed completely.

Trust & Social Skills

Since horses are very intuitive, they're in-tune with your mood. If you're genuine with them, they'll respond and start to trust you. As you begin to trust them, a true friendship is born. Horses provide unconditional love just like dogs. They don't judge our flaws or mistakes, but instead offer support and companionship. This allows humans to overcome past traumas, and for people who are socially shy, to build the confidence to interact socially and make new friends.

Children & Dependent Older Adults

Reading out loud to animals improves sharing & social skills. It also lessens behavioral problems & anxiety since animals are non-judgmental. Horse companions are there for you - to just listen. For aging adults, they find purpose again and feel needed. Caring for a horse like brushing also helps treat arthritis and encourages social connections.

Our special miniature friends. Zappa, the brown/white mini has 1 blue eye.

Photo's below are from therapy sessions.

Bottom Line: Horses are Therapeutic

• If having a pet doesn't fit into your daily schedule - no worries. Find a friend who has horses or dogs. Or, ask to volunteer at riding facilities, therapeutic ranches & animal shelters.

• Weekly visits will bring about healing, happier moods, and less stress. You'll experience improvements in overall wellness.

• Did you know that mini horses are also recognized as service animals according to American's with Disability regulations? Horses like dogs are very intelligent with the amazing ability to read & understand your emotions.

• Plan your next health infusing mini-retreat by spending time with a special horse friend. It'll do wonders for you.

• After learning all this, how could you not want a horse friend?

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