How Horse Therapy Can Improve Seniors Health

We all know that being around our pets can have many positive benefits on our mood, and the situation is the same for our elder loved ones. But a cat and a dog can have only mental health benefits for seniors, whereas being active around horses can also have some physical health benefits for elderlies.

When we think about horses, we immediately think about racing, thrills, adrenaline rush, and running at full speed. So, how would seniors go around an animal like that?

Well, not all horses have the same temperament. Some are calm, collective, and perfect for casual rides and equine therapy. That’s why those never make it into racing, and you certainly wouldn’t want to place a bet on such a horse.

This type of horse treatment, also known as "hippotherapy for the elderly," has been demonstrated to significantly enhance the elderly's mobility, strength, and balance in illnesses such as stroke, post-surgical rehab, balance issues, and even brain damage.

Several recent studies have found that hippotherapy can significantly enhance lower limb strength and balance in the elderly after only a few weeks. It is claimed that the horse's varying, rhythmic, and repetitive movement helps to enhance strength and balance.

So, in today’s article, we will talk about all the benefits of horse therapy to seniors’ health.

Physical Benefits

Equine therapy has been shown to benefit children with disabilities and other forms of special needs.  Horse-based therapy has also been shown to benefit the elderly, particularly those who suffer from balance or coordination.

Riding a horse helps elders develop flexibility and improves trunk muscles, resulting in better posture. The physical benefits of horseback riding can help reduce the number of falls that elders experience.

Riding a horse can even aid with neurological rehabilitation, which is especially useful for folks who have had a stroke or severe brain damage. The gentle movement of a horse can also assist in easing tension.

If equine therapy is not provided in their town, elders might discover other venues to ride horses. Many cities have horseback riding stables that provide riding instruction, or there may be trail riding groups.

But it isn’t as simple as finding a horse ranch and getting a horse ride. In fact, there are several things to consider before having horse therapy for seniors just to avoid the risk of making the situation worse.

First of all, elder people that are not very physically active won’t be able to ride a horse. In other words, the level of fitness is an important thing to consider before embarking on a horseback ride. Additionally, this must be done by professionals by choosing the right horse. You’d want a calm horse that won’t make any behavioral changes during the ride.

Seniors should also wear suitable riding gear, such as boots to keep their feet in the stirrups and helmets. Other rules that elders should follow when near horses include avoiding standing directly behind a horse and always mounting and dismounting from the left.

Psychological Benefits

Seniors do not have to ride a horse to reap the benefits these animals offer. Simply being among horses can help elder care recipients overcome anxiety and melancholy.

Seniors who learn how to halter, feed, and groom horses can boost their self-esteem and feel more empowered to face life's obstacles. If elders spend enough time around the same horse, they will eventually form a bond that will make them feel less lonely.

Seniors may not feel comfortable around horses at first, especially if they have never been around them before. Horses' size might be scary. If this is the case, miniature horses offer similar psychological advantages.

These tiny horses may be brought into the house for the elderly who require in-home care. Many cities have miniature horse farms, and they may even be seen in zoos. Whether seniors are daring and wish to ride a horse or simply pet one, horses may bring several benefits to them.

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Benefits of Equine Therapy for the Elderly

Building Physical Strength

Horseback riding can help you develop physical strength. As you improve your horse-riding posture and coordination, you are also sharpening abilities like balance and mobility.

Horseback riding is a great workout that burns calories since it focuses heavily on your own body muscles to control the horse's movement and direction of travel.

Furthermore, horseback riding is still an accessible exercise for those with arthritis or who have had their hips and knees replaced. Horse riding's soft motions make it an ideal type of mild exercise for anyone in retirement.

Relaxation

Many people have realized that fresh barn scents, bright sunshine, clear morning air, and your horse's rhythmic movements may all help to reduce stress and enhance your mood.

Spending time outside and interacting with a gentle animal can also help to alleviate melancholy and anxiety while increasing self-confidence.

Making Friends

Horse riding entails more than just being on a horse! You may also learn about the care required for horses, including grooming techniques. All of this time at the farm means spending valuable time with other people who share similar interests.

You may be shocked to learn that caring for a horse requires a team effort. Having a social network and making new acquaintances might benefit your mental and emotional well-being, especially for senior people.