Therapeutic riding engages both the horse and the rider to help promote better balance, muscular strength, and self‐esteem. Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, the practice promotes the positive effects in physical and emotional health in those with special needs. The Role of the Equine as Partner in EAAT (equine assisted activities & therapies):
New scientific research continues to
reveal critical information about equine sentience‐ their abilities of perception, cognition, memory, and emotions such as pain and fear. Equines are able to perceive,
respond to and learn from the impressions they receive from minimal sensory stimuli. The stimulus may originate from changes in human biochemistry, body language, or vocal intonations. It can also come
from changes in the equine’s environment, relationships with other equines, or the equine’s general health In this way, equines make decisions based upon the stimuli they experience from others or from
their environment (Hangg, 2005; Nicol, 2002; Proops, McComb, & Reby, 2009; Saslow, 2002). These abilities are based in natural, biological, physiological, and psychological traits of equines. Each equine is
unique in personality, and has individual likes, dislikes and habits. The information gained from equine communication can be highly useful in all EAAT settings. Listening to equine communication can have an
effect on the care of the equines, their rate of burnout, and the success of the human‐equine interaction. In EAAT sessions or lessons, viewing the equine as a partner invites opportunities for relationship building and skill building with all participants served (www.pathintl.org).
