Equine therapy is a relatively new terminology when compared with the prolonged history of man and horse.
For centuries man and horse have partnered in times of war and peace. Man has relied on horse for his living, and to carry his remains to the grave.
The horse was the most economically important of all the domesticated animals, yet there were always a few individuals who saw beyond the obvious material value of the horse and recognized its inner nature. They became knows as
horse whisperers.
There were also people who perceived the physical and emotional benefits reaped by those who worked with horses. It is those individuals and their work that lead to the concept of using horses for therapy.
Horseback riding has been used for it's therapeutic benefits for years. Doctors at Oxford hospital in England used therapeutic riding for soldiers injured in WWI.
Lis Hortel, a woman from Denmark, was paralyzed below her knees from Polio. She was determined to ride despite her disability. She became the first woman to win an Olympic Medal in equestrianism. She won Olympic Silver Medals in dressage in 1952 and 1956, despite having to be helped on and off her horse.
Liz Hortel and Ulla Harpoth, a physical therapist, started one of the earliest therapeutic programs, now commonly called hippotherapy.
Relatively new, but rapidly receiving recognition and respect from the medical field, are the emotional benefits provided when horses are our friends and mentors.
With tears of joy in her eyes she said..."I'm the happiest woman alive!"I love this photo!!!!!! It shows true tears of joy! THIS is the reason we do what we do!!
Sandra, Florida Personal Ponies Ltd
Sandra as a
Personal Ponies Ltd
volunteer takes ponies to Nursing Homes and Hospitals. Thank you Sandra, and all voluteers who give of themselves to improve the lives of others. Sharon
Horses are sentient beings with a lot to teach those who are willing to learn. If you are looking for counselling or coaching on your journey to enlightenment Sandra Wallin founded Chiron's Way to provide educational and therapeutic experiences in a setting which informs and supports the development of each individual.
Chiron's Way