Equine Therapy provides mental, physical and emotional therapy to patients with learning, physical and behavioral difficulties. It is also used to help treat other conditions, such as cerebral palsy, autism and multiple sclerosis, as well as to help cancer patients deal with the fear and challenges they face as patients and survivors.
Equine therapy can help improve a patient’s self-awareness, self-confidence and discipline. Equine Therapy allows participants to learn about themselves and others by participating in various activities with horses, as well as process the feelings, patterns and behaviors experienced.
Unlike horseback riding which focuses on mastering riding skills, Equine Therapy focuses on learning how to handle a horse psychologically so that clients can develop confidence and trust.
People with mental, emotional and developmental disabilities often benefit from participation in Equine Therapy. Patients with physical disabilities may also benefit from it. Children and adults with developmental learning disabilities also often benefit from Equine Therapy, improving the skills needed to concentrate, relax and succeed in learning environments.
For patients working to regain the use of their muscles and range of motion, the various positions, assembly and disassembly contribute to physical improvement. This form of therapy can improve balance, muscle use, and breathing, in addition to many others. There are universities and institutions that offer this program for free or offer a scholarship.
A Free Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Therapy allows students to explore a growing field in which mental health professionals use horses in a therapy setting.
This degree combines well with biology and psychology for students interested in veterinary studies or further study in equine assisted therapy or with business for students who wish to pursue equine-related business opportunities.
Equine therapists are professionals who work with horses and help patients and clients accept them as a means of therapy and comfort. They encourage participants to communicate with horses and teach them simple tasks using eye contact and body language.
The therapists teach riding lessons to patients and participants. Equine therapists schedule therapy sessions, workshops and basic horse training.
In addition to working with the horses, equine therapists serve as trained counselors. They can evaluate new students, determine the needs of those students, and implement therapy and training sessions based on those needs.
Other duties may include programming functions, fundraising, and certification and training programs. They work with patients on a regular basis, from the time they are admitted to the center until their discharge. Because of the disabilities that many patients have, therapists must possess patience, compassion and understanding.
These are some of the topics that can be included in the program content of a Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Therapy:
A Bachelor of Science in Equine Therapy is a 2-4 year degree program.
An Equine Therapist has opportunities to work in therapeutic riding centers, occupational therapy offices, and hospitals that promote non-clinical therapies for people recovering from injuries, facing chronic illness, or undergoing psychological treatment.
Prices for the Bachelor of Equine Therapy can be varied. Prices for these degrees are between $3,500 and $25,000. In some cases it may cost more.
The cost of this degree will vary according to the country where it is taught, the institution or university that teaches the degree, the modality, the duration and the materials provided during the study, among other factors.
Related Topics
Other Topics of Interest in ALPHAPEDIA
Esta web usa cookies.