Horse Riding For A Change In Life: Equine Therapy To Help Kids

"Hi, I'm Emma. And this is Sam."

The introduction was a little stiff, but it didn't take long for the kids to warm up with each other and their surroundings. "This is where we teach riding lessons," said Deb, one of the staff members at The Pony Place, Giddy Up Gold Coast. "Some people might think that's all we do here but actually we're mostly an equine therapy centre and support the grass roots development of horse riding."

Deb explained how they help children and adults who have suffered trauma or struggle with anxiety by having them work with horses at the horse retreat and even grooming them every day. It's not just about horse care and groundwork -they've started teaching some of these kids how to ride as well! That feeling of sitting on a horse for the first time and feeling the power of horses, being able to breath with such a sense of accomplishment.

Each week, a group of kids would come to ride the horses from the nearby school that seek help through the wellbeing centre. Some kids have anxiety with school work, friendships, bullying or home life difficulties. After spending time with the animals, they felt calmer and happier to walk away with skills that help them handle life through feeling empowered with the ability to communicate. They had more energy too- all because of these magnificent creatures in nature!

Did you know that horse riding school owners often use their horses to help children work through various challenges? More horse facilities are now doing more than just teaching kids to ride. The Equine Therapy programs at places such as Horse Helping Humans, Healing Hooves and Bonogin Valley Horse Retreat, has been incorporating equine therapy for nearly 10 years, and they see success as a result. Even an aged care facility in south-east Queensland has horses to support them through the residents and school students sharing their love of farm animals in a unique collaboration.

"There are lots of reasons why people don't feel good about themselves," said Debbie Burgermeister, one of the founders of Giddy Up Gold Coast and Bonogin Valley Horse Retreat. "Somebody might not feel like they have any control over their lives, or they have no purpose in life."

Burgermeister stated that horses give participants a sense of empowerment which can help them overcome many obstacles they may face throughout life. A typical experience includes individualised instruction focusing on various mental and physical aspects such as breathing, balance, coordination and social interaction while interacting with horses through grooming, feeding or riding them. There are some amazing articles and stories here: https://www.horseretreats.com/charity/

These animals can help with issues involving mood, anxiety, and depression. Animal-assisted therapies are now being used by mental health professionals all over the world as a way to connect with patients in need.

There are benefits of animal-assisted therapy for children on psychiatric wards. They found that even though there is no research backing up its effectiveness, there were significant improvements.

"The horses are all waiting in line and we're about to take our turn." Emma said, her voice light as she led me into the barn. It was early morning on a Saturday, and I followed after her with my eyes downcast. A chill had set in from walking outside without a coat for too long; I could feel it through my shoes as well. "It's going to be cold today so make sure you bundle up when you head out there!"

We walked over towards the rows of stalls where some of the stable hands were leading their horses out so that they could get brushed and bathed before being saddled up for rides.

A child standsby a horse, waiting for the saddle to be secured. The owner tightens the girth around the horses stomach and then helps the child put their foot into one of the stirrups to get on. Once they are set, he hands them a reign and says "alright, you know what to do." With this reassurance from someone who knows what they're doing, as well as being shown how to ride by someone experienced with horses, kids can have an amazing therapeutic experience at some well equippedhorse places with experienced staff to help for a positive outcome and long lasting wonderful memories.


Location: Australia

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