There is a unique bonding that happens between a rider and a horse. Studies have shown that the therapeutic benefits of relating to any animal are great. Many hospitals and nursing homes have visiting dogs. The mere act of stroking fur has a calming effect on the nervous system, the heart, and blood pressure.

Most riders whether competing on horseback, just riding for pleasure, or riding as therapy find that it reduces their stress levels. And relating to a horse seems to connects us at a basics instinctive level. Brushing the horse before and after a ride can be comforting for the person doing the brushing as well as the horse. Feeding and tending to a horse's needs creates a powerful bond. Taking care of another living being makes a person feel useful, needed. This can be helpful to those who are handicapped in ways that force them to be dependent on others.

At Equus Therapeutic, we have seen many children and even some adults who have trouble being social, come out of their shell after being around our horses for a while.