For centuries, horses have been used for recreation, transportation and even in warfare. This fall, thanks to a new academic concentration at Judson College in Marion, students there will have an opportunity to learn how horses can be used in a different way — to help people with disabilities.
"Our goal is for students to be able to show others how the bonding that comes with taking care of an animal and learning how to ride it can help an individual develop self-confidence to improve their lives," Harold Arnold, associate professor of psychology and interim chair of the division of social sciences at Judson, said of the concentration in equine-facilitated mental health.
And self-confidence is only one of the benefits of interacting with and learning to control horses, said Kathleen M. Claybrook, executive director of Special Equestrians in Indian Springs, which provides therapeutic horseback riding and equine-assisted activities for those with physical, mental, developmental and emotional disabilities.
"The horse provides a hip action that is almost identical to humans," Claybrook said. "This motion provides physical benefits such as stimulating dormant nerves and muscles, increasing strength (and) stimulating vocal chords."
Emotional and psychological benefits come in the form of enhanced focus, decision-making skills and verbal and nonverbal communication, she said.
The concentration follows an existing course in animal partnership that was designed as a way to bring residents of Southland and Perry County nursing homes, both in Marion, together with horses. The class, which is open to all students, meets three days per week for approximately four hours per session.
"Students study theory and a textbook one afternoon per week and then visit each home (where residents have a chance to come outside and pet the horses)," said Judson Equine Director Jennifer Hoggle. "This new [concentration] will provide students many different avenues to explore to facilitate their equestrian interests, as well as their desire to be a positive role model and help others who may be in need."
Students will take a combination of equine science, psychology, physiology and health classes to prepare them for employment as therapeutic riding instructors or for advanced graduate studies. According to Arnold, students will still major in psychology, taking 15 credit hours of core psychology classes as well as an educational psychology course and a course in the psychology of "exceptional" (special-needs) children. They will also complete an internship at a facility where horses are used to help children.
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