Animal+Therapy

**Animal assisted therapy** for students with additional needs has been found to be socially, psychologically, and physically beneficial. The Equine-Facilitated Mental Health Association describes the benefits of the use of horses as instilling “…a sense of order, to create an understanding of boundaries, to improve focus, and to instil trust” (2003, as cited in Ewing, MacDonald, Taylor, & Bowers,2007). Thus students with behavioural needs such as those with ADHD or ADD could benefit from an organised program where “students are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the care and handling of their partnered horse” (Ewing et al, 2007).

Pegasus ACT is an organisation that offers lessons and excursions for students with additional needs. It is a great resource for teachers. In addition to the reported observational benefits described by Ewing et al (2007) for students with behavioural needs and those who have experienced trauma, there are also physical strengthening benefits for students with a physical disability, particularly Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis or Traumatic Brain Injury. The experience can improve “posture, balance,mobility and function” (Pegasus. n.d.). Interestingly in addition to the program fostering the “…development of life skills including open and direct communication, honesty, patience, respect, and proper use of power and control”(Bowers & MacDonald, 2001, as cited in Ewing et al, 2007) there is opportunity for teaching remedial maths and English whilst on horseback at Pegasus, for example by utilising signs and counting horse steps.

Ewing et al (2007) suggests that the ideal age for children to frequently experience such a horse caring and riding program is 10 to 13 years.

There are public schools in Canberra that access the valuable resource that Pegasus can provide. It is also a resource to suggest to families.


 * References:**

Ewing,C., MacDonald, P., Taylor, M., Bowers, M. (2007). Equine-Facilitated Learningfor Youths with Severe Emotional Disorders: A Quantitative and QualitativeStudy. //Child Youth Care Forum//, 36(1),59-72. doi:10.1007/s10566-006-9031-x

Pegasus.(n.d.). //Hippotherapy Fact Sheet//.Retrieved from http://www.pegasusact.com.au/pages/news.htm

**//Loving Pegasus//**
====I have had the pleasure of being involved with taking students from Malkara Primary school to Pegasus - it is an extremely beneficial activity which most of the children find enjoyable - it also develops their communication skills as they are keen to talk about 'their' horse (they usually have the same one every week). To see children confined to wheelchairs able to sit upright on a horse without any apparent disability is wonderful!! The many volunteers who work at Pegasus provide many hours to help these students and are a very necessary part of its success! Not only do the students benefit from riding the horses but while they wait for their turn to ride they are able to see the other horses and watch the care provided for them - and sometimes give a carrot as a treat. Pegasus emphasises the 'ability' not the 'disability' Riding Develops Abilities Video thereby encouraging the beautiful relationship between man (woman/child) and the horse. Pegasus is not restricted to age and anyone can apply to be involved in this wonderful facility which benefits those with or without a disability!!====



Pegasus in action
Pegasus programs and fun and active.

Click here to view a 30 second video of our riding programs in action.

//**This video was produced with support from Channelvision**//

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__References:﻿__

__http://www.cranleighps.act.edu.au/curriculum/pegasus&usg=__BFc63C4hsBk4IFfawVDhR8jO5LI=&h=480&w=640&sz=62&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&t __[]__

=Equine Facilitated Learning= ====This has been trialed around the world with great sucess with children that have Austism Spectrum or Attention Deficit Disorder and bipoloar. Putting these children who find it hard to communicate and interact with other people helps these children remain calm and communicate on a different level with the horses. Studies have been conducted and it is said that a humans brain wave action changes when in the vacininty of horses. Its has a calming affect which allows for children who are fixated and have a negative past to give them a positive experience and remain focused.====

====This is something you could use to implement into a special needs class by taking the students on an excursion to see the horses. This isnt about riding the horses but the face value of interacting with the horses and grooming them. I find it amazing how a childs behaviour can change so rapidly being in the presence of an animal.====

http://www.wayofthehorse.org/Articles/horse-therapy.html

__**Animal Therapy**__

Delta Classroom Canines Program is aimed at improving human health and general well being through the companionship of animals. The program includes volunteers and their obedience-approved canine to visit schools for up to one and a half hours each week. The volunteer and their dog visit the same classes each week to build strong relationships. Their role in the classroom is to become part of the class and specifically work with children in support with the reading recovery teacher. Primarily the volunteers work with children on a one to one or group basis, as the students read aloud to the dog. The volunteers also participate in informal chats and group activities to promote socialisation and communication. With the use of Animal Therapy such as this program, interpersonal relationships can evolve. If the child is able to build a relationship with the dog then this can create a starting point for them to build relationships with their peers and staff (King, 2007).

- Promote students to read to the volunteer and the dog to begin to build a relationship and rapport. This would enhance communication and socialisation with the student. - Conduct lessons on how we care for pets such as walking, feeding and attention. - Have a continuous relationship with the volunteer and the dog and incorporate them regularly into classroom activities such as reading and listening to news. - Can be used as a tool for socialising, relaxation and communication. - Promote awareness for pro-social behaviour. - Sensory stimulation. - An understanding of relationships and bond with others and animals.
 * How to use it in teaching?**
 * Outcomes**

Delta Society. (2011). //Delta Classroom Canines Program.// Retrieved from [] King. L.M. (2007). //Animal Assisted Therapy: A Guide for Professional Counsellors, Social Workers and Educators.// Indiana, USA: Authorhouse.
 * References**