This is not our own work. We found a nifty app that makes historical timelines and fed Equine Therapy into it. This was the result, an Equine Therapy Timeline. And we think it’s quite good.
A History Timeline About Equine Therapy
Equine therapy has been used for centuries as a form of healing and therapy. The ancient Greeks recognized the physical and mental benefits of horseback riding, and in the early 1900s, physical therapists began using horses to help treat patients with disabilities. In the latter half of the 20th century, equine therapy became more widely recognized as a form of therapy for a variety of conditions, including physical disabilities, mental health disorders, and addiction. Today, equine therapy is a popular and effective form of complementary therapy, with numerous programs and organizations dedicated to its use.
6000 BCE
Early Domestication of Horses
Humans begin to domesticate horses, using them for transportation, hunting, and warfare. The bond between humans and horses begins to form.
1875
First Recorded Use of Horses in Therapy
Surgeon General of the U.S. Army, William Hammond, writes about using horseback riding as a therapeutic treatment for patients with neurological conditions.
1918
Horses Used for Physical Therapy
The influenza epidemic hits the United States and patients with weakened respiratory systems are prescribed horseback riding as a way to strengthen their lungs and improve overall physical health.
1946
The Creation of the British Riding for the Disabled Association
A group of individuals in England form the British Riding for the Disabled Association, which focuses on providing horseback riding therapy for individuals with disabilities.
1960s
Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy
Psychologists in the United States begin to incorporate horses into psychotherapy sessions, using them as a way to help patients with mental health conditions. This is the beginning of equine-facilitated psychotherapy.
1990s
Increased Research on Equine Therapy
The use of horses in therapy gains more recognition and research is conducted to better understand and document the benefits of equine therapy.
Present Day
Equine Therapy Continues to Grow
Equine therapy is now used in a variety of settings, including mental health treatment centres, rehabilitation facilities, and schools. The bond between humans and horses continues to be a powerful tool for healing and personal growth.
Of course, we could cheekily add “2020 – Heartfelt Support starts with one horse and few clients” but that would be cheating.