How a horse can help YOU

Abstract

A look Into Occupational Therapy in an Equine Environment and How to Get Involved Equine-Assisted Therapy is an upcoming science that provides clientele with abundant therapeutic benefits. There are many types of equine-assisted therapy, but Occupational Therapy in an Equine Environment offers its own unique advantages. Occupational Therapy in an Equine Environment focuses on using the horse as a tool since the horse's natural movement mimics a person's walking and provides the health benefits to the rider. Horseback riding allows for exercise while simultaneously relaxing the rider's muscles. For certain riders, such as those with multiple sclerosis (MS) or Rhett’s syndrome, conditions that cause muscle tension while riding the horse can relieve muscles through relaxation. Not only does this form of therapy provide physical benefits, but it also provides mental benefits. Merely being around horses can help reduce the production of stress hormones and increase the release of oxytocin and dopamine, neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation. Occupational Therapy in an equine environment has also shown that working with horses requires multiple senses to be engaged at once. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with sensory processing disorders or autism. The varied sensory input helps integrate these sensations, improving focus, reaction times, and cognitive processing. Overall, occupational therapy in an equine environment has many benefits for different types of clientele, yet many people don't know about it. By spreading the word about this practice, more people could receive the benefits and understand the therapy. Plus, Equine-Assisted Therapy is for people by people and relies heavily on volunteers. Volunteering isn't just about helping others but also about helping oneself. Research shows giving time to a cause can lead to a boost in mood and self-worth. So, people should volunteer not only for others but also for themselves. In short this honors thesis aimed to research and then educate the public about Occupational Therapy in an Equine Environment and how to get involved.