(Archive April 2019) Galloping Into Mainstream Medicine

Student Talks About Horses and Mental Illness

By Aisha Schor | Observer Contributor

Ask any horseback rider and they will tell you the bond between horse and rider is a powerful and unmatchable connection. I can attest to this as a horseback rider and owner myself. I’ve been riding horses for the past thirteen years and have owned my oldest horse, Ginger, for nine years. Bonding and gaining the trust of a horse is very different than any other animal I have ever interacted with. It takes time and patience to gain their trust, but once you do, the reward is outstanding.

One of my favorite things to do with my horses is to ride the trails around my house in the spring and summer. It allows me to exercise and also gives me an opportunity to enjoy nature, connect with whichever horse I may be riding, and get my mind off daily stressors. You have to be focused and present when horseback riding; there’s no room to be worried or distracted by other things. Horseback riding forces you to enjoy and embrace the moment.

Recent studies are being done all across the country to research the psychology and science behind equine assisted therapy. With the field gaining more and more support, it’s becoming clear that there’s more to a horse’s appeal than looking pretty.

These studies have highlighted the benefits behind equine assisted therapy. According to an article ResearchGate, equine assisted therapy can help with a variety of mental illnesses and disorders such as depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, and more. Some of the mental health benefits equine assisted therapy can help with include increased confidence, self-efficacy, communication, trust, self-acceptance, impulse modulation, and more.

I can speak to the connection, bond, and release horseback riding can bring to people. It’s all about communication and trust. When you get to the point where you can clearly and kindly communicate with a 1,000 pound animal, and have them listen to you, there’s no other feeling like it. It’s something I hope everyone has a chance to experience.

I also talked to a close friend and fellow horse enthusiast, Kiana Lewis, about the connection she feels when riding. “I rode Raindance bareback using nothing but energy and minimal cues. He responded willingly to no force or direct pressure. It was such freeing, yet bonded feeling,” recounted Lewis.

I think this is a big contributor as to why equine assisted therapy can be so healing for people. There’s a sense of control, trust, and connection in it that’s not always easily found for some in everyday life.

If you want to start horseback riding, you should look for local barns online. There are many stables and programs available for new riders. Don’t be afraid to try a few barns out before choosing the one that suits you best. If you want to learn more about equine assisted therapy, you can visit www.pathintl.org or talk to an instructor at a therapeutic riding center.