Equine therapy: horses for health
Why this project
Many people suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder related to war, especially children.
Equine therapy is a form of psychological treatment based on the presence of horses as therapeutic mediators, provided to individuals in both their psychological and physical dimensions.
The equine therapist's goal is also to reduce psychopathological symptoms and promote well-being and a sense of comfort.
Equine therapy is not a direct treatment for somatic illnesses or motor disorders (this is the specific focus of hippotherapy), but rather an intervention targeting the mind, body and personality. Two types of methods are used:
- psychological: meaning, emotional sharing, experience, transference, etc.
- physical: sensation, movement, non-verbal communication, gestural expression.
Equine therapy has a therapeutic purpose and is part of a care programme. It is not about learning equestrian techniques. The emphasis is on communication and inter-sensitivity with the animal, which offers great potential for discovery and psychological development.