Good article. Horses are not used just for physical therapy either. When used for kids with autism, it allows the kids to relax as they realize the horse does not judge them, accepts them as they are. Amazing results.
For troubled youth, kids learn to slow down and reflect on one’s own behavior in order to simply catch and brush a horse. The horse is a mirror of the patient’s lack of calm. For the horse to allow the patient near it, the patient must first go to “zero”, something an out of control youth must learn and accept. At this early point, even the toughest kids will cry, and begin the journey.
In physical therapy, the muscles used to balance on the horse while the horse walks are exercised. Confidence is quickly built and again, the horse doesn’t judge. In addition, it is medical tested fact the horse can sense the patient’s inability, and to a large extent feelings as the horse has learned to survive millions of years by reading others.