Humans have had a special relationship with humans that goes back thousands of years – from the tales of gods and goddesses in many cultures that are linked to horses, to the horses who helped to farm the land and build the country. As well as this, horses inspire us to create works of art like these bronze horse sculptures www.gillparker.com/horses-limited-edition-bronze-sculptures-to-buy and there are numerous books based on the wonders of horses, such as War Horse and Black Beauty.
Nowadays, horses are usually kept for enjoyment and for the special relationship that they have with their owners, most jobs can now be done without horses and machines have taken their place on farms and roads. However, something else that is an important part of the human relationship with horses, is the fact that they are also a form of therapy and can provide help for those suffering from mental illness.
This is known as equine therapy, and it is proving a very successful and rewarding experience for many people who are struggling with their mental health. People can learn to work with horses, interact and build relationships with them, and enjoy the special bond that they develop, and this in turn can help them to feel better.
Being naturally calm and deeply intuitive, horses are great for this role, as they not only understand humans but are also able to offer them support and empathy in their own unique way. As well as the fact that a horse can help with mental illness, people who spend a lot of time with horses can also enjoy building communication skills, grow in confidence and find that they enjoy building this relationship over time.
Being out and about in the fresh air a lot is also great for physical wellbeing, something that is of course linked to mental health. Spending time riding horses and caring for them means that you naturally get more exercise and of course get to spend time out in the countryside which is a great tonic for many illnesses. This can also help to reduce high blood pressure, which in turn can reduce the risk of developing other illnesses, from heart disease to diabetes.