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HEALTH & WELL BEING
There are numerous health and wellbeing benefits that humans can gain from being around horses. Interacting with horses allows for a number of opportunities to learn, explore, and grow. Here are some of the ways that horses can improve the mental and physical health of children/teenagers and adults.
Confidence
Horses and ponies are loveable animals and allow you to face a number of fears. No matter how trivial they may be, and gives them the confidence they will need to overcome these obstacles in life.
As they grow in confidence, their self-esteem levels will be naturally enhanced giving them a greater sense of achievement in everything they do.
Social Skills
As with many relationships we form with animals, it allows us to practice the social skills that we need to build relationships in life. The foundation of these relationships is built on trust, empathy, negotiation, compromise, and working together which is all learned as they start riding. It also allows for further communication skills to build up as they progress their riding or caring ability.
Physical skills
Working with a horse requires some level of physical skill, however with the help of others this physical involvement can slowly progress over time as you become more confident. Riding a horse uses all areas of the body as well as requires body awareness, balance, and coordination. This will allow them to train their body physically as well as mentally due to having to stay alert at all times.
Rehabilitation
Equine assisted therapy is becoming increasingly popular for those suffering from a range of conditions. From physical therapy to speech and mental health issues. These rehab sessions can consist of things as little as patting the horse or stroking them as this can decrease stress levels, create a calm environment, and reduce anxiety. In relation to physical rehabilitation, the rhythmic movement of horses assists with motor and sensory problems.
Along with the number of ways horses are beneficial to the mental and physical wellbeing of humans, they also create a fun sense of community where people can come and connect to nature. Horses can help people with their everyday life skills as well as help those in need of rehabilitation.