Therapy horses are becoming increasingly popular in the world of animal-assisted therapy as they are found to have a lot of benefits for their owners. Unlike ordinary horses, therapy horses are specifically trained to assist individuals with mental health issues or physical challenges. Furthermore, the interaction between the therapy horse and the owner can serve as an effective tool in improving mood, reducing stress, and achieving personal goals. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of owning a therapy horse.
1. Emotional support
One of the most significant advantages of owning a therapy horse is the emotional support that they provide. The relationship between the owner and the horse is founded on trust and mutual respect, which can help to reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Horses are known to have a calming influence and can help individuals struggling with emotional challenges find solace and peace.
2. Physical benefits
Another advantage of owning a therapy horse is the physical benefits that arise from caring for them. Owning a horse entails daily grooming and maintenance, which can help to keep the owner physically active. Individuals who own therapy horses often become more motivated to exercise, which can boost their physical fitness and improve their overall health.
3. Improved social skills
Owning a therapy horse also provides the opportunity for individuals to develop their social skills. Interacting with a horse requires a lot of communication, which can help individuals improve their communication skills. Furthermore, owning a therapy horse can provide the chance to connect with other horse owners or participate in equine-related activities, which can help individuals build relationships with others who share similar experiences and interests.
4. Sense of responsibility
Taking care of a therapy horse also instills a sense of responsibility in the owner. Owning a horse involves providing daily care, such as feeding, grooming, and exercise, which can help to develop a sense of responsibility and discipline. Individuals who own therapy horses often develop a sense of accountability as they must be reliable and consistently provide for their horse.
5. Therapeutic benefits
Owning a therapy horse can also provide therapeutic benefits. Interaction with animals has been found to reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels and increase oxytocin (happy hormone) levels in the brain, which can reduce stress and improve mood. Owning a therapy horse can serve as a form of therapy for individuals seeking to improve their mental health or recover from traumatic experiences.
In conclusion, owning a therapy horse comes with many benefits that can improve an individual’s overall wellbeing. Therapy horses can provide emotional support, physical benefits, improved social skills, a sense of responsibility, and therapeutic benefits. If you are considering owning a therapy horse, it is crucial to research and evaluate the amount of care and attention that they require to ensure that you can provide a happy and healthy home for your horse.
