In general, equine therapy is also called EAT (Equine-assisted Therapy) and sometimes called “horse therapy”. This treatment includes various horse activities to promote occupational, physical, and emotional growth in people who suffer from:

Anxiety

ADD

Autism

Dementia

Cerebral palsy

Developmental delay

Depression

Genetic syndromes (Down Syndrome)

Behavioral issues

Traumatic brain injuries

Abuse issues

Other mental health problems

In a sense, equine therapy helps individuals build communication, self-efficiency, confidence, perspective, trust, impulse control, social skills like empathy, and learn about boundaries.

Horses have similar behaviors to humans, including responsive and social behaviors. Therefore, it’s relatively easy for patients to create connections with a horse. Equine-assisted therapy has been recognized in the mental health and medical fields by most countries as a way to help both children and adults who are diagnosed with any of the above list.

The REST system or simulator can play a unique role in your therapy sessions. These include:

Horses and the simulators used by some therapists react to your emotions and behaviors and aren’t biased by any past mistakes or your physical appearance. This can be extremely helpful to boost self-confidence and self-esteem.

Horses are naturally a herd animal and prey to many predators. Therefore, they’re sensitive and vigilant. This can be programmed into the simulators. The feedback shown from the horse or simulator helps your therapist understand more about you. Plus, the simulator can mirror your behavior, movements, and emotions. You become more aware of yourself and can “feel felt.” 

Typically, a therapist uses the horse or simulator as a metaphor to deal with other issues. That is why equine treatment can be applicable to real-life problems. For example, a therapist could help the patient work out issues through the horse. One child might have significant challenges discussing how they felt about moving to a new state. That child might tell the therapist many ways to help out a horse to feel comfortable about being sold to a new owner. From there, the child understands more about their own situation and can find coping mechanisms for their move.

Equine-assisted therapy has been around for a while and has been shown to work. However, most therapists don’t have access to a horse. Many simulators are now on the market to mimic a horse’s natural behaviors. That can help patients relax and learn about themselves based on what the simulator does. This new therapy treatment can be a great solution for your child or family.

GAIT, LLC
P.O. Box 6066
South Bend, IN 46615-6066
844.264.REST

Website: https://restbygait.com/

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