Horses in rehab

Something that I have heard of in therapy before, but never thought of as being used in something like drug or alcohol rehab, is the use of horses in connecting with the person undergoing treatment.

Having ridden and even trained horses and ponies in the past, I can tell you that there are few animals as able to make someone feel comfortable as a horse. They might seem to be large and scary at first, but after that first uncertain offering of a slice of apple from a flat hand, there is no denying the enchantment of a connection between a person and a horse.

Equine therapy is part of what Malibu Horizon offers in their top drug rehab treatment centers multi-therapeutic approach to drug and alcohol treatment. While research is limited, there have been indications in recent studies according to Malibu Horizon that equine therapy is moderately effective in the promotion of well being and the lessening of behavioral problems.

Having been around horses in the past, I can see where they would be very effective in motivating people that have a love for animals and able to provide a comfortable presence for anyone that is uneasy about participating in activities. It is far easier, in my experience, to interact with a horse than with people.