Can horses boost mental health?

Mental health charity Mind in Bradford and Riding for the Disabled Association collaborate to evaluate the effects horses can have on mental health

In September and October this year, Mind in Bradford and Cliff Hollins Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Group ran a project for six weeks with the help of RDA coaches and volunteers to understand the effects spending time with horses can have on mental wellbeing. The project included six participants, most of whom had no previous experience with horses, and they took part in different activities, from learning how to handle a horse to aspects of their care. Results showed that participants found the experience enjoyable and loved having the opportunity to try something new. When the six weeks concluded, results showed that 100% of participants working with horses as a form of therapy boosted their self-esteem, confidence and energy levels.

Speaking about their experience, a client of Mind in Braford commented: “Before I came to Mind last summer, I was in a very bad way with my anxiety and depression. I have always loved horses and it was nice to meet people on the course who were understanding as they have similar difficulties themselves. I enjoyed being with the horses and ponies, as they don’t judge! I liked learning how to care for them and enjoyed learning to ride properly, being out in the fresh air.”

This project was inspired by Andy Gray, RDA Regional Coordinator for Yorkshire and Cleveland, who has been a long-time advocate of equine assisted activities. Andy was keen to raise awareness of the RDA and approached Mind in Bradford with a proposal for the two charities to work together. He wanted to enable individuals with mental health challenges to participate in regular sessions at the Cliff Hollins Riding School. Andy was delighted with the response from Mind in Bradford and said: “Working with a like-minded charity to support the mental health of the participants by connecting them with horses was a very rewarding experience.”

Phil Woodward, Service Manager at Mind in Bradford said: “The sessions have been a huge success and there has been lots of positive feedback around how the staff at the stables have shown care and empathy both towards the clients attending and the horses they are looking after. Two of the clients have signed up to be volunteers and there has been an increase in self-confidence and confidence around the horses”.

The idea of working with horses as a form of therapy is spreading across the UK with health professionals gaining interest and participants at over 400 RDA groups are being encouraged by their therapists to take part in RDA sessions. It’s likely that previous work done by the RDA is responsible for the growing success of equine assisted activities. Research has showed that it’s not just participants who benefit from sessions, but also the volunteers – it gave them the opportunity to gain more confidence and acquire new knowledge. Nearly a quarter of RDA volunteers have a disability themselves that affects their daily lives and find that volunteering can play an important role in supporting their own mental health and wellbeing.

To find out more about the work these charities do, visit mindinbradford.org.uk and rda.org.uk