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Q. I have been reading a lot lately about therapy dogs. How they are trained to help people. One very interesting article was about therapy dogs and autistic children. Val, I was wondering if you think it is possible for horses to be trained much like therapy dogs. My horse, Traveler, has a really gentle nature. He loves people and especially enjoys getting out for a jog. I feel he would be a perfect candidate. I would appreciate your thoughts and any insight you might be able to give me.
Thanks. Michael, Wellington, Florida
Dear Michael,
I really appreciate your question about therapy horses and dogs. Like dogs and cats and many other species, horses are remarkable healers. They have an almost magical way of connecting with us, heart to heart, mind to mind. There are many equine therapy centers where handicapped people and children of all kinds and ages can go. I have on occasion worked with horses at therapy centers to help resolve various issues, and have always been so impressed by the horses who are chosen to do this kind of work. I consider them to be true gifts to humankind, and they deserve a lot of respect.
Horses are remarkably effective therapists for those of us who need therapy, which in my book, is pretty much everyone! Much depends on their temperament and willingness to help people, of course. However, if they have the right stuff, they can easily be trained to learn what they don’t know yet. Although many horses do have the right stuff and don’t need a lot of training, they already know what to do with wounded humans. It sounds like Traveler may have the right stuff!
There are many miracles of healing associated with equine therapy, including children who wouldn’t or couldn’t communicate before working with their horse teacher. Many of them spontaneously begin talking again. Autism and all other forms of handicap can also be helped, sometimes dramatically. Riding also strengthens core balance and muscles, and the rhythmic movement improves circulation, nervous system response and energy flow. There are many stories of handicapped people who regain their strength and go on to compete in many equine sports.
It’s always a good idea to talk with your horse to see if that’s what they’d like to do, and if it suits their life purpose. If so, then please give them as much support as you can so they can do that.
Start doing your research now, and then go visit an equine therapy center. You’ll see how magical it can be. You may want to volunteer to work there. These centers do need our support as they are largely run by volunteers and donations so please! Give them all the support you can. They deserve it.
Many Blessings,
Val Heart, Expert Animal Communicator & Master Healer for You & Your Animals!
Working with chronic pain, illness, trauma, training, behavior, euthanasia... Specializing in performance horses: dressage, show jumping/hunter jumper, reining, cutting…
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