Horse-Assisted Therapy and the Role of Horse Therapists
Are you familiar with horse-assisted therapy? When you hear ‘therapy,’ you might think of aromatherapy or color therapy—things aimed at healing rather than medical treatment.
Originally, therapy refers to treatments that do not involve drugs or surgery, such as physical therapy for movement training, music therapy for mental health, or animal-assisted therapy for alleviating symptoms using animals.
Horse therapy, also called equine-assisted therapy, is one of these animal-assisted therapies.
Horse-Assisted Therapy
Who benefits from horse-assisted therapy, and what does it involve?
It includes not only horseback riding but also caring for horses, managing stables, observing horses, and more, aiming to improve motor and mental functions for people with disabilities.
Disabilities vary—from mobility issues and visual or hearing impairments to developmental and intellectual disabilities—and the therapy’s effectiveness is gaining recognition across these conditions.
Physical Benefits
Riding a horse stimulates the brain through various sensory inputs—the movement, warmth, vibrations, and rhythm from the horse. Riding involves full-body movement, strengthening core muscles like abs and back, improving balance, and even burning calories—comparable to walking and aerobic exercise.
For those unable to perform walking or aerobic activities due to joint issues, horse riding offers a gentle, low-impact alternative. Although not yet covered by Japanese national insurance, some European countries do provide insurance coverage for horse therapy because of its proven benefits.
Mental Benefits
Horses are social, gentle herbivores that act as herd animals. Interacting with horses helps individuals understand their feelings, fostering mutual understanding and connection. The warmth of a horse can soothe loneliness and foster feelings of love and peace.
Initially, controlling a large horse might be intimidating, but gaining confidence through support and experience can be empowering. Even for those not requiring therapy, riding offers stress relief through new perspectives and environments.
What is a Horse Therapist?
A horse therapist teaches riding skills and horse care, while observing and supporting the mental and physical well-being of therapy participants. They need to understand the clients’ conditions and also maintain the health and happiness of the horses involved, requiring knowledge of horse management and care.
Who is Suitable for a Horse Therapist?
Those who work as horse therapists, along with the horses, are essential. The right person for this role loves both people and horses. Horses suitable for therapy should be gentle, friendly, and not overly sensitive to noise, as these traits help prevent startling clients during sessions.
Necessary Qualifications and Skills for Horse Therapists
Currently, there are no standardized qualifications for horse therapists. Training programs and certifications are offered by various organizations. These include courses on understanding horse behavior, management, and caring for horses, as well as soft skills like communication to effectively support clients’ mental states.
Summary
While horse-assisted therapy is not yet covered by insurance in Japan and still underutilized, its positive effects on physical and mental health have been demonstrated.
The activities are supported by both horses, which are calm and friendly, and horse therapists, who must possess knowledge of horse care and the ability to understand and communicate with clients.
Currently, there are no strict standards or unified certification for horse therapists in Japan, so those interested should explore training and certification options from various organizations to find the best fit in their pursuit of this rewarding career.