Equine Therapy Why Horses Might Make Great Therapy Animals

Equine therapy, also known as hippotherapy, is a form of animal-assisted therapy that uses horses to aid in treating various conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, and PTSD. It offers unique sensory, physical, and emotional benefits. For autism, it helps improve social functioning and motor skills by engaging multiple senses. In cerebral palsy, it enhances posture and muscle symmetry. For PTSD, it provides emotional support and a sense of control. However, equine therapy is not widely available due to high costs and limited research. More studies are needed to fully understand its benefits.

What is another name for equine therapy?

• Canine therapy

• Hippotherapy

• Feline therapy

• Avian therapy

How does equine therapy benefit children with autism?

• By increasing their academic performance

• By teaching them to swim

• By enhancing their sensory processing and social skills

• By improving their diet

What sensory experience does riding a horse provide?

• It enhances auditory skills

• It focuses multiple senses into a coherent experience

• It improves taste perception

• It sharpens visual acuity

In what way does equine therapy help individuals with cerebral palsy?

• By teaching them to paint

• By enhancing their posture and muscle symmetry

• By improving their singing ability

• By increasing their reading speed

What is a key emotional benefit of equine therapy for PTSD patients?

• It helps them learn new languages

• It improves their cooking skills

• It helps them regain a sense of control

• It reduces their need for medication

Why might equine therapy not be ideal for mood-related concerns?

• Because it is too expensive

• Because it is not effective for medical symptoms

• Because dogs or other therapy animals might be more suitable

• Because it requires too much physical activity

What is a limitation of current equine therapy research?

• It is too focused on adults

• It is only conducted in urban areas

• It lacks sufficient sample sizes and control groups

• It is too expensive to conduct