A Horse is a Horse Except When It's a Therapist

Posted February 1, 2021

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be frustrating for both parents and children. Fortunately, there are many therapies available for children having trouble dealing with the symptoms. Equine therapy, for example, has proven to be highly effective for children with ADHD. While equine therapy programs vary in their approaches, most include both riding and caring for horses. Riding allows children to be active and have fun, but it also teaches them to focus as they learn specific riding skills. Caring for their assigned animals also enables them to develop personal discipline and responsibility in a way that can only be gained by caring for another living thing. Grooming and feeding have the added benefit of helping children develop bonds.

ADHD affects not only a child’s ability to pay attention at school, it also affects relationships with family and other children. Children with ADHD often show behaviors that can be disruptive to others. It is often helpful to start behavior therapy as soon as a diagnosis is made. Plains Area Mental Health offers caring, experienced counseling services, medication management and support to help our clients live full, productive lives. Call one of our locations today or take our free on-line assessment.

P.S. Equine therapy for attention deficit disorder is often at least partially covered by most insurance policies.