Eight-year-old Logesh is a special child, who does not like to venture out. But after a couple of horse riding sessions at the Madurai Riding School, his cognitive ability has improved. “He was reticent and his social interaction was nil. Thanks to the hippo therapy, he now responds to the word ‘horse’. He is very enthusiastic about the class and feels happy whenever I ask him to get ready for the session,” says R. Vanishree, Logesh’s mother.
Equine therapy is an unconventional path to increase special children’s physical strength and cognitive capabilities. It is in nascent stage and needs more programmes to create awareness among parents. “Every parent spends Rs.5000 to 6000 towards medical expenses for their special children. There are instances where parents in rural areas chain such children as their neighbours brand them insane. Creating awareness is the need of the hour,” says Sundar Vijay, partner, Madurai Riding School.
There are around 14 registered special schools and another dozen unregistered in the city with 5000 to 6000 special children studying in different classes. “We did a lot of research before starting our sessions. Every Monday we offer introduction class free to special children,” he says.
Children are taken closer to the horse to get the feel of the animal and the interaction starts right there. “We let the child touch the animal fur and it does world of good to them improving the finger movement. Generally, cerebral palsy children find it difficult to hold an object but after couple of sessions here, they show improvement. While interacting, these children develop an emotional bond with the animal,” says R Deepan Chakravarthy, physiotherapist.
Explaining how horse therapy works, Dr. Chakravarthy says, “It is a non-clinical process. Children with both physical and learning disabilities are taught to ride horse by taking its rein. As the horse starts to move, their body makes adjustments to the gait, tempo and rhythm of a horse’s movement. It improves their posture, balance, fine and gross motor movements. It also stimulates the vestibular system. As a trained yoga practitioner I have tried yoga but the results after hippo therapy sessions are encouraging,” he says.
After a child mounts the horse, the changing physical reactions are noticed. “Any change in physical reaction of the child is positive as the child responds naturally to shifts in balance once the horse saunters. It also strengthens hand-eye coordination,” says Vijay.
As most of the rehabilitation programmes for the children are confined indoors, their social interaction is poor. Once they are taken to the outdoor equine therapy sessions, their social interaction also gets better. “I am seeing these children enjoy as they are much more relaxed now, especially cerebral palsy children, who suffer from muscle contraction. Most of the special children find it difficult to breathe freely but after hippo therapy, their respiration also improves. It is a good medicine for children with neuro muscular disorders,” asserts Charavarthy. Children, who can’t even stay in eye contact for a minute, now look into the eyes of horses for hours together. At Madurai Riding School, riding is taught and supervised by professional trainers. The school has introduced exclusive games for special children and specific tasks to be completed while riding. “We have placed tubs at different places and ask the children, mounted on horse, to throw the ball into the tub. Such games attract them,” he says.
At present there are 10 children enrolled for the hippo therapy with the Madurai Riding School and the number of enquiries is on the rise. “Though it is an expensive therapy in Western countries, we have introduced equine therapy at subsidised rates to special children and expect more to join in the next academic year,” hopes Vijay, who runs the school with his friend Bilal Mohammed.
WHAT IT IS
Therapy with dogs, cats, horses, ducks, rabbits and birds improves physical, social, emotional, and cognitive functioning of a special child through interaction.
The patient profile for equine therapy includes children with cerebral palsy, mild autism, mental retardation, people suffering from depression and chronic stress.
Children learn about responsibility, nurturing and the comfort of physical contact through animals. It reduces loneliness and angry outbursts
