Horse therapy
What role do horses play in mental health?
If you ask us, horses can make us feel calm in a hectic world, keep us grounded within ourselves, and build our confidence in everyday life. Horses are good for our emotional well-being and reduces stress.
At Strathorn, we feel so grateful when parents of children who come to ride with us say that they can see a different in their child who was struggling at school to feel safer within themselves and become more outgoing and confident as a person.
It is the best feeling in the world knowing that our horses have helped young people become more secure in themselves, confident to try new things and say what they think, and braver overall.
It is not just children that horses can help with building confidence and mental strength.
We have adults who also say that coming to the farm and spending time with the horses in the riding lessons help them feel better in life. For some, it is the highlight of their week.
Why are horses important for mental health?
Horses are by nature highly intuitive and respond to our non-verbal messages in a safe and powerful way.
Horses are also social animals, hypervigilant to their environment and can provide us with inner healing by spending time with them. This is why horses are so good for therapeutic purposes, this is also known as equine therapy.
Winston Churchill once said that: “There’s something about the outside of the horse that is good for the inside of a man.” We couldn’t agree more.
Horses are not only physically powerful: strong, fast and beautiful – they also make us humans feel powerful by being around them.
Equine Assisted Therapy
In the 1990’s, more and more professional organizations started working with horses to treat mental health needs.
This is something that we believe must continue considering how many people struggle with depression and other mental health issues.
Millions of people struggle with mental health issues every day, and horses can help
If you’ve ever struggled mentally – know that you are not alone.
Millions of people struggle with mental health challenges every single day, and thankfully, it is becoming less stigmatized because we need to talk about it.
It is okay not to be okay – but we also need to act if we don’t feel okay, or someone around us is struggling with their mental health.
What is doctors could prescribe time with horses, or horse riding, for people who are struggling? How incredible would that be?
It comes natural for most individuals to build a connection with a horse because we have similar behaviour patterns in terms of self-confidence, self-efficiency, social skills and more. Learn more about how horses communicate: neighing, stomping, and nodding.
Real Life Examples of Horse Therapy
Horse Riding as Horse Therapy
Horse riding offers significant benefits for people struggling with mental health issues, including those facing challenges like low confidence or depression.
The process of learning to ride and improving one’s riding, from understanding the horse’s movements to navigating different terrains, empowers people struggling with mental health issues to overcome challenges, gradually boosting their self-esteem and resilience.
Mental health is something that everyone can struggle with, no matter where or how you were brought up.
We really like this quote from Kendall Jenner, model and mental health advocate who talked to Vogue about her longtime passion for horseback riding in May 2024.
“Horses have a strength that is almost hard for humans to understand. Even though I can’t communicate with them directly, I feel that the ones I have cared for have always lent that strength to me.”
For those dealing with depression, horse riding offers a powerful means of escape from negative thought patterns. The rhythmic motion of the horse and the need to focus on the present moment can have a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety.
The bond between rider and horse also plays a crucial role, as the unconditional acceptance and non-judgmental presence of the horse can provide emotional support and a sense of companionship.
Furthermore, horse riding encourages social interaction, whether through riding lessons, group sessions, or simply being part of a supportive community. This interaction can help alleviate feelings of isolation, providing a sense of belonging and connection with others who share similar experiences.
Horse Visits to Care Homes
Over the years, our Clydesdales have made visits to care homes and hospitals, bringing comfort and joy to residents who may no longer be able to spend much time outdoors due to the physical challenges that often come with age.
Just getting to touch the face of a horse – we have seen what a massive difference that makes to the person who does not get to go outside much now that they have physical challenges.
Windsor to visit Sandy on his 90th Birthday. Sandy used to work with Clydesdales as a boy and it really brightened his spirits.
Our physical health and our mental health is undeniably connected.
The tactile experience of petting a horse, the warmth of its breath, and the softness of its coat can evoke a deep sense of comfort and relaxation.
This interaction can lift spirits, reduce anxiety, and we have also seen it spark conversations among residents, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
Driving for the Disabled
Driving for the Disabled at Strathorn Farm Pitcaple in Aberdeenshire serves as the base for a program that improves the lives of people with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs, by offering them the opportunity to learn to drive horse-drawn carriages.
The program operates twice weekly on Wednesday mornings and Thursday evenings from May to September.
During these sessions, trained volunteers harness the horses to their carriages and assist each disabled driver into their driving position beside their coach.
Participants learn to drive the carriages to the best of their ability on tracks and competition courses at Strathorn or at other venues across Scotland.
Some drivers qualify to compete at the RDA’s National Championships in England.
Participants and volunteers enjoy socializing, sharing laughter, conversation, and a cup of tea.
In the winter months, although carriage driving pauses, the group stays connected through arranged talks and activities.
The program relies on the dedication of committed volunteers to provide these services.
With limited fixed income, ongoing fundraising and donations are essential to keep the group thriving. Click here if you would like to donate.
Conclusion
Spending time with horses has the power to transform lives in ways that are deeply personal: horses have the power to help people who are struggling with their mental health to struggle a bit less.
In all its forms, spending time with horses offers benefits for well-being, whether through a visit to a care home, participating in carriage driving for those with disabilities, or riding for mental health support.
The bond between humans and horses can be tracked down thousands of years. We feel good being around these wonderful animals, that help us with emotional resilience, reduces stress, and enhances our overall happiness.
Equine therapy in terms of horse visits, horse riding or horse driving can be a helpful experience for people of all abilities and ages.