Equine therapy for the elderly

Equine therapy for the elderly is a very effective healing method for individuals, such as adults with Down’s syndrome, elderly stroke patients or war veterans who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. These individuals can enjoy the rewards of equine-assisted activities such as riding and working with horses through the rhythmic motion generated when riding on the back of a mobile horse. The bond produced when the suffering individual feeds and grooms the horse can heal emotional and mental wounds reliably. The team that performs equine therapy and safety to the elderly may be composed of an equine specialist and a mental health professional.
Equine therapy for the elderly is also known as hippo therapy for the elderly. The therapy uses the variable, rhythmic repetitive movement of the horse to provide a support base for the elderly suffering from impaired conditions, balance problems, poor posture control, lessened mobility as well as traumatic brain injury or stroke.