Written and submitted by Jenny H.
Animals have become man’s best friends. They are always there when
we need them the most, and are our ultimate healers. Therefore, many
organizations have turned to animal-assisted therapy as a way for
medical patients to improve their physical and emotional support
during treatment. Most of this therapy is geared towards dog lovers;
however, there is an increasing focus on horses and equine-assisted
therapy.
EMPOWERMENT
Unlike many other domestic animals, horses give patients a feeling
of empowerment. Horses are big and powerful animals that may be
intimidating to some. This creates a natural opportunity to overcome
this fear and develop confidence. When patients can overcome this
fear, it helps them develop confidence in taking on other fearful
situations, such as their medical condition and treatment. When you
care for a horse, you gain a new sense of accomplishment and
self-esteem.
MIRRORING HUMANS
Horses are just like us. They like to be in a social environment,
but are sometimes stubborn. This creates an opportunity to learn how
to deal with individuals and situations where people do not get
their own way. Horses also mirror our body language. They will
respond to you based on your behavior. If you are stubborn with a
horse, he will remain defiant. However, if you can change your
behavior and change yourself, the horse will reward you. This
mirroring of behavior also helps patients to emulate motor
movements.
EQUINE-THERAPY FACILITIES CLOSE TO WEDGWOOD VIEW AND VIEW RIDGE
NEIGHBORHOODS
Situated in a great location, Wedgwood View and View Ridge
Neighborhoods provide easy access to facilities that provide
equine-assisted therapy treatments. Here are some centers that
are easily accessible to our beautiful neighborhoods.
UNBRIDLED COUNSELING: Located 13 miles east of Wedgwood View across
the Lake Washington, Unbridled Counseling uses equine-assisted
therapy to address assertiveness, trust, emotion regulation, and
mindfulness. Patients will learn how to take care of the horses and
develop their own unique relationship with them. After various
activities, patients are given the opportunity to discuss their
experience and directly correlate it to other areas of their life.
LITTLE BIT: Located 20 minutes outside of Wedgwood View in Redmond,
Little Bit is a therapeutic riding center which is dedicated to
improving the bodies, minds, and spirits of individuals with
disabilities. The adaptive riding program teaches horsemanship and
riding skills tailored to the individual’s needs. The center also
provides hippotherapy, which is a physical or speech-language
therapy that uses horse movements to engage the motor, sensory, and
cognitive system of patients. It mimics normal walking patterns and
helps sensory skills and motivation for disabled patients.
RAINIER THERAPEUTIC RIDING: At Rainier Therapeutic Riding,
horses are used to provide physical and emotional healing for the
nation’s veterans and their families. The services provided at
this facility are centralized around riding for therapy and healing.
This center is an hour drive from Wedgwood View.
