Benefits
Equine-assisted services has proven to have numerous benefits. Partnering with the horse can greatly impact one’s physical and emotional well-being. Many of the physical, psychological, and social benefits we have seen are listed below.
Physical Benefits
- Improved appetite and digestion
- Decreased spasticity
- Improved balance and coordination
- Improved respiration and circulation
- Increased range of motion in joints
- Reduction in abnormal movement patterns
- Sensory integration
- Strengthened muscles
- Stretching of tight or spastic muscles
Psychological Benefits
- Development of patience
- Emotional control and self-discipline
- General sense of well-being
- Improved self-confidence
- Increased interest in the outside world
- Increased sense of control
- Sense of normality
Social Benefits
- Development of friendships and trust
- Development of respect and love for animals
- Experience a sense of being part of a team
- Experience independence