First Experience with Equine Therapy

Most rare diseases follow a slow progression and affect patients’ multiple body systems, leaving them with long-term rehabilitation needs. TFRD's in-home program provides tailor-made services to slow down the disease's deterioration and reduce the stress of caregivers. TFRD's Kaohsiung branch held its first activity of experiencing the equine therapy on March 4, providing patients with a variety of rehabilitation channels. A total of 18 patients and their family members attended this event.

Coach Chen of Qiaotou Equestrian Center in Kaohsiung introduced what equine therapy is. Equine therapy is not about learning how to ride a horse, but about developing a motor response to the horse's movements through riding. It is a way to promote the patient's coordination, train muscle strength, improve concentration and increase self-confidence. Coach Chen noted that about one-third of the children who first approach the horse would not like to get on it. He suggested that side lying or hanging upside down could be used to help kids adapt slowly.

"Let's ride," yelled the parents, more excited than the kids, with their camera shutters being pressed desperately. After the kids got on the horses, the horse leaders guided the horses, with a leader on each side. The daring children marched in a straight line or in a circle, even at a slightly faster speed. "Waaaah!" Some children kept crying and saying, "No, no, no." The coach first let them lie on their backs and roll over, and again and again, with encouragement and careful guidance from the coach, they finally got on the horses.

Afterwards, the instructor explained how to feed the horses and tips on how to feed them. The kids then went to the stable to choose their favorite horses and fed them carrots. The horses tapped the floor with their front hooves as if to say, "Please give me the food quickly", which really melted everyone's heart. At the end of the event, the children who were originally scared became brave enough to touch the horses, "It was so much fun! I'll come back next time", "I'm not afraid, I've ridden around a lot!” "I fed so many horses!" The kids shared their experiences eagerly, and all of them had an unforgettable experience.

Translator: David Lee (Becker Muscular Dystrophy)