Equine therapy centre rides into 25th year

A Bengaluru-based non-profit offering horse-assisted therapy for children with neurodivergence and development disorders is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Some of these children will showcase their skills at an event on Sunday.

Equine therapy uses horses to improve physical and emotional well-being through activities like riding, grooming and feeding.

Animal-assisted therapy works at the intersection of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, behavioural therapy and speech therapy, says Hajira Firdouse, a neurodivergent affirmative therapist. “It helps children improve their communication, motor skills and attention span, and complete their tasks.” 

S M Sethurao, owner of a school for children with special needs in BTM Layout, adds: “While there is no empirical evidence that animal-assisted therapy works, we have seen positive effects. Some of our students who have attended this centre appear calmer and happier. Playing with horses satisfies their vestibular craving (seeking sensory stimulation from movement).”

At Healing Horses, the non-profit, children are trained to talk, balance, and perform freehand movements while riding tamed horses. Three assistants walk alongside the beginners, and children with mobility and speech challenges.

Its founder Pushpa P Bopaiah says, “Research suggests that a horse’s rhythmic movement mimics the human gait. And since horses are emotional animals, they foster a sense of bonding.” Pushpa is an accredited equine therapist with North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Los Angeles. 

The initiative combines her experience in teaching children with special needs, and her background in equestrianism.

From just four children in 2000, registrations have grown to 76, aged four to 28. Students include children with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Some have signed up purely for horse riding lessons and stress relief. “A girl, who has cerebral palsy, has been with us since the first year. Now she is confident and looks forward to going outdoors,” she shares.

Children — and even adults with mobility issues — are screened based on medical reports. “We also ensure the horses are calm, old, and specifically trained for therapy,” says the Cambridge Layout resident.

Training, priced at Rs 900 per class, takes place at ARPA grounds within the ASC Centre and College in Domlur. From 2000 to 2004, the sessions were held free of charge at the Princess Academy in Palace Grounds.

Silver Jubliee Fete

Thirty-two children, mounted on horses, will perform a march past and dumbbell exercises. Hula hooping, balancing a ball
on a spoon, threading beads, and throwing darts are some other activities that are expected. 

On February 23, 9 am-11.30 am, at ASC Centre and College, Domlur. Call 9845579609 to register by Saturday, and for details about training.