Therapists of the animal kingdom help heal traumatised, special needs children at LIV Village

Horses are sensitive animals and working with them has been found to significantly assist children who have experienced trauma.

LIV Village, near Verulam, has recently relaunched their Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) programme to help the children deal with their past experiences.

“When some of these children arrive in the village, they are so traumatised that they will not speak to any of the other children or adults. Often we have found that being around an animal can be a great first step in making them comfortable,” said equine specialist and LIV volunteer, Sanchia Stanford.

Horses are a flight animal, which makes them very sensitive to what is happening around them.

When faced with a non-threatening child, they can show extraordinary understanding of the situation, she said.

“The children are able to influence and control these huge animals, giving them a sense of control over their own lives in the process.”

There are also real health benefits, especially for children with developmental disorders or cerebral palsy.

“We offer hippotherapy, which has proven to make a big difference in the quality of life for these children. It gives a positive change in neuro-chemicals, lowers heart rate, blood pressure and stress. It is unbelievably fulfilling to see the smiles that abound from the children when they are able to interact with the horses.”

Hippotherapy is the use of horse riding as a therapeutic or rehabilitative treatment, especially as a means of improving coordination, balance and strength.

In the EAT programme, children learn how to take care of the horses, including riding them and gaining knowledge of the grooming process.

This means that aside from the initial therapy aspect, many of the children also have an advantage when looking into an equestrian-focused career later in life.

EAT can have a hugely positive impact on a child’s life, but unfortunately it does come at a significant financial cost.

Horses are expensive to look after and the equipment needed in order to handle them effectively also comes with a large price tag.

If you have any pre-loved equipment, or anything else related to the housing and care of horses to donate, you can email equinetherapy@liv-village.com.

They are also looking for people willing to volunteer their expertise as a groomer, farrier or veterinarian.

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