Anxiety can be a crippling disorder, and while there are some who seek professional help for their condition, others find relief in therapeutic practices, such as horse riding. In fact, even the act of caring for a horse, or simply being around them, has been suggested by researchers to help certain individuals boost their self-awareness, relieve feelings of fear, stress, and depression, and promote mindfulness.
But, it’s important to remember that injuries can occur when in such close proximity to big, powerful creatures like horses, particularly when riding them, and that insurance for horse riders is considered by many who work with them, to be essential. All it takes is one kick from a hoof, or one tumble from the saddle, and you could find yourself seriously injured and not able to work, or unable to cover the cost of your treatment.
What makes working with horses such an effective form of therapy?
There are several things that make caring for horses and riding them, a wonderfully natural way to treat a condition such as anxiety, and here are some of the most common:
- Acts that are repetitive and basic in nature, such as grooming a horse, can be soothing and promote a sense of calmness
- Walking and other physical activities such as riding, can help to improve mood
- Feeding animals and caring for them, helps form a bond between animal and human which can be very powerful and rewarding
Many animals are used for therapeutic purposes, including dogs and cats, but something sets horses apart in terms of their intelligence, and strong social values. Their ability to communicate with their herd in the wild, using body language and sounds, makes them particularly adept at communicating with humans in much the same way, and makes them highly effective in a therapeutic role.
How can riding horses address symptoms of anxiety?
Below are some of the ways in which working with horses, and breakingbyte riding them, can help anxiety sufferers address their symptoms:
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By fostering the regulation of emotions
As prey animals, horses are very attuned to their surroundings and display a unique ability to detect the emotional states of others. This can help anxiety sufferers learn to regulate their emotions and communicate with others more effectively.
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By teaching trust and vulnerability
Due to their often immense size, horses can be intimidating creatures, and induce feelings of vulnerability and fear in humans. To interact safely and effectively with horses, they must be respected, and their unpredictability must also be respected. By responding to a horses cues in behaviour with your own body language and gestures, and by being mindful of their boundaries, you can build up a trusting relationship.
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By providing a change of scenery
Usually taking place outside, being around horses can be therapeutic in the same way that spending time in a different, natural environment can be; doing so may help lighten your mood, and reduce feelings of anger, stress and anxiety.
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By teaching you mindfulness skills
Great attention and focus is needed when dealing with horses, whether caring for them, riding them, or both, and you will need to be mindful of your own actions to prevent startling them. Additionally, you will need to get feedback from the horse, and monitor their body language and signals before interacting with them, requiring you to be very present and in the moment. Such a state of mindfulness can be incredibly beneficial, and help you be more aware of your emotions and your surroundings, beyond your interactions with horses.
Safely interacting with horses – provided you have horse riding injury insurance – can provide you with a means of tackling your anxiety head-on, and help you manage your symptoms for a calmer, happier, and mindful way of life.
