Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Equine Therapy in Namibia: Horses Helping Children with Special Needs
WINDHOEK, Namibia — In the heart of southern Africa, a unique program is leveraging the therapeutic impact of horses to assist children facing learning disabilities and developmental conditions. Susan de Meyer’s initiative in Namibia demonstrates how interactions with horses can positively influence children with conditions such as ADHD and autism. For energetic children, the horses encourage a sense of calm, while for those with communication challenges, they can inspire interaction and connection.
The “Enabling Through the Horse” Program
Just outside Windhoek, de Meyer’s program, aptly named “Enabling Through the Horse,” transforms a simple paddock into a vibrant space each weekday morning. Groups of 8 to 10 children from specialized education centers arrive to engage with the horses. Activities range from riding and grooming to simply stroking and conversing with the animals, fostering a unique bond.
Horses: Non-Judgmental Partners in Therapy
De Meyer, who grew up with horses, emphasizes their exceptional ability to accept children without judgment, regardless of their differences. This non-judgmental nature is crucial for the program’s success.
“The horse is really the central figure in this context because many of these children are hesitant to be around large groups of people,” de Meyer explains.
Recognition for Innovative Therapy
Supported by the Namibian Equestrian Federation, “Enabling Through the Horse” received international acclaim when it was honored by the International Equestrian Federation. The award recognized the program’s effectiveness in “highlighting the remarkable traits of horses in demonstrating sensitivity and intuition.”
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Broader Applications of Animal-Assisted Therapy
The positive outcomes of horse therapy are widely acknowledged by autism support organizations and those working with children with learning challenges. Animal-assisted therapy, in general, is increasingly recognized for its benefits in various situations. Examples include service dogs aiding military veterans with PTSD and therapy cats providing comfort in hospitals and care facilities.
Notably, survivors of the devastating 2023 Hawaii wildfires found solace in equine therapy as they coped with their loss and grief.
Meet the Therapy Horses
De Meyer playfully refers to her team as “two-and-a-half horses.” This includes two Arabian horses: Faranah, a white mare, and Lansha, a brown gelding. The “half” is Bonzi, a miniature horse, small in stature, making him approachable even for the youngest participants.
Arabian Horses: Ideal for Building Confidence
De Meyer notes that the Arabian horses are particularly beneficial for therapy due to their size, which inadvertently boosts the children’s self-assurance.
“It enhances their self-esteem,” she elaborates. “The therapeutic process begins when they stroke the horse. It’s a large animal compared to them, yet they overcome any apprehension to touch it, and subsequently, to ride and guide it.”
Addressing Diverse Needs
The program caters to children with a spectrum of conditions, including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Down syndrome
- Nonverbal communication
- Sensory sensitivities
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and related developmental delays
The program’s success has sparked interest from other nations across Africa and Asia seeking to implement similar equine therapy initiatives.
Testimonials of Transformation
Chriszell Louw, a teacher at Dagbreek School, a Namibian government school for children with intellectual disabilities, attests to the program’s impact. “The progress I’ve observed in the students is truly remarkable,” Louw states. “We have one student who is very talkative, but when she is here, she understands the need for quiet and remains composed.”
Louw continues, “You can see some children become more expressive and joyful. Some were initially quite fearful of horse riding, but now they are incredibly enthusiastic. The moment they hear about visiting the horses, their excitement is palpable, and they are eager to go independently.”
Developing Essential Skills
De Meyer highlights the program’s role in fostering essential skills. Equine therapy aids in developing fine and gross motor skills, strengthening muscles, improving coordination, balance, and posture – all crucial for children who find it challenging to engage in classroom learning.
Simple Exercises, Profound Impact
One straightforward exercise involves children releasing the reins while riding and extending their arms to the sides. Maintaining balance using only their core and lower body, as a handler leads the horse, creates a sense of empowerment.
De Meyer describes the children’s reactions: “Some of the kids beam with smiles when they let go, appearing as if they are flying.”
“We are making a significant difference in these children’s worlds,” de Meyer concludes, underscoring the profound value of equine therapy.