Beyond traditional pets.

The benefits of pets in the process of caring seniors is well understood and effective, pet cats, dogs, and in-home animals can bring incredible relief reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. But did you know that horses might be an incredible alternative too?.

In addition to petting, the senior is embedded in a natural environment with a magnificent animal that is able to perceive anxiety, mood, and certain expressions; a rare capacity of horses that only a few people who have been riding really understand.

Fall Prevention

Horses are not only great for petting. If the senior is able to ride, fall prevention may improve and this is not a minor plus.  Falls are the leading cause of death from injury among people 65 and older and two-thirds of those who fall will do so again within six months. With this kind of scary fall statistics, it is imperative to have a fall prevention plan, and this is where horses can be an excellent complementary alternative. Hippotherapy studies have shown significant improvement in the stride and gait of the elderly, 2 variables that are related to the risk of fall. Check this study from the Journal of Physical Therapy Science The Effects of Hippotherapy on Elderly Persons’ Static Balance and Gait

How Hippotherapy works in Seniors

Seniors with balance problems, poor posture control, impaired conditions, lessened mobility, traumatic brain injury or even stroke may have incredible improvement.

A horse in a slowly advancing stride walking at the gait of a human being promotes the development of muscle control to maintain a stable position in the horse. Balance, coordination, timing, and respiratory control may have significant improvement.

The aged rider can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms while gaining self-confidence as well as improving non-verbal communication. A sense of isolation is reduced while enabling them to tackle greater challenges in life.

How Seniors can Benefit of Horses in Boca Raton and Delray Beach.

At Assisting Hands we are providing transportation to Capriola Equestrian Club where nature interaction and petting horses will make the day of anyone who loves horses and nature.  (Riding Hippotherapy is not available yet but we will keep you posted)

If you want to join one of our visits to Capriola call us @ 561 419 6281 or email to [email protected]