Equine-assisted therapy and therapeutic riding embraces the magic of human-horse bonds

The healing qualities of animal companionship are hard to deny. From veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder to people who have seizures, all kinds of people can get help from animals to cope with different mental and physical issues.

Emotional support dogs are a familiar concept to many, but medical professionals are also starting to turn to an outdoors animal for such treatments: horses.

Occupational or physical therapists use horses to guide clients through activities to provide what is known as equine-assisted therapy, equine-assisted learning and therapeutic riding. Therapy sessions can take place on the ground or on the back of a horse in a barn, ring, arena, along a trail and other locations.

Continue reading at Greeley Tribune

Photo Credit: Jim Rydbom/Staff Photographer