Hippotherapy (horse therapy)
Riding a horse is not only fun but can also help people learn communication skills. The horse gives glory to the human soul and helps to develop one's communication skills.
Equestrian therapy is one of the animal therapy methods used for people with various disabilities such as social, cognitive and motor disabilities (Payo, ٢٠٠٠). Other research has shown that animal therapy is effective in reducing autism-related behavioral symptoms, increasing socialization and communication, and improving quality of life (Gilgo, ، 29).
Equestrian therapy improves balance and movement while forming a therapeutic relationship between the patient and the horse (Bass, 2009). Hippotherapy is a term used in the literature for equestrian therapy, and according to the American Hippotherapy Association, the use of horse movements as a therapeutic strategy by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists to consider disorders, functional limitations, and disabilities. In skeletal neuromuscular patients, points. Occupational therapists and physiotherapists use it to improve balance (proper foot posture and healthy skeletal appearance), coordination, and fine motor skills in the children they work with (Tridart 2011). This treatment may affect the psychological, cognitive, behavioral, and communication functions that occupational therapists, speech therapists, and physiotherapists can use for people with autism (Petersen, 2010). The ultimate goal of therapists using the hippotherapy method is first to improve motor, processing and interactive skills and ultimately to improve work performance (Latella, 2008).
In hippotherapy, therapists first focus on rehabilitating the child to improve the skills that help them function in their daily tasks. Since one of the symptoms of autism is a disorder of sensory processing and hippotherapy also provides a multisensory approach, this treatment can be useful for these children. Horse therapy for children with autism increases the feeling of self and body. Communicating and interacting with the world around you is effective and increases the child's self-confidence (Tridart, 2011).
It should be noted that hippotherapy is not only a treatment program for the population with autism, but also has many benefits for children, adolescents and adults suffering from other mental or developmental disabilities, including: muscle relaxation, muscle building strength, recovery. Good motor coordination, eye-hand coordination, improvement in posture and flexibility, improved communication, gaining self-control, gaining confidence, improving concentration, improving social relationships (Aspen.).
Research has shown that animal interaction with humans can reduce anxiety and aggression, as well as increase social interaction and the ability to manage daily life in people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and schizophrenia (Toner, 17). A study in Japan of "psycho-educational equestrianism" with ٤ children with pervasive developmental disorders claimed that children improved in imitation, emotional expression, and eye contact (Bass,) 29).
The first session of the new equine therapy course in 1998 for children with autism spectrum was held by the Imam Ali Autism Center in collaboration with the Kerman Desert Diamond Equestrian Complex on Tuesday, July 3rd.
