Annakah Michael
How Equines Provide a Sanctuary for the Deaf in a Hearing World
Equine therapy, or as many call it, horse therapy, has brought many
people through rough times, helped the blind to trust, and the hurt to heal.
While horse therapy is for these things, it is also known for helping the Deaf
and the Hard of Hearing. But how do horses ‘help' the Deaf? In reality, people
who are deaf have a unique cultural identity, but many are not able to have
access to their culture. Therefore, might not be confident in himself and might
have the pressure of receiving implants from the hearing community. Many people
have heard of dogs aiding the deaf, but not so many have heard about, or even
think of horses in a similar way. While horse therapy may not be for everyone
who are deaf or Deaf, it may be very helpful to some.
They say the sound of galloping hooves will lead you home, but it is not just
the sound, but the vibrations, and the feeling of flight on the back of the
horse that can bring a person to heaven. Research indicates that Equine Therapy
is most commonly connected to children and adults that have Autism, Down
Syndrome, Anxiety, Depression, and to other similar diagnosis (equestrian
therapy). Although horse therapy is most commonly used for the above, the deaf
can also benefit from equestrian therapy. For example, for those who become deaf
later in life, or who struggle with their identity in a hearing world. Equine
therapy helps build a sense of self-worth, improve communication to both deaf
and hearing, builds trust and self-efficiency. Also helps develop social skills,
decreases isolation, helps learn impulse control and emotional management, sets
perspective and helps a person learn their limits and boundaries. (equestrian
therapy)
Horse Therapy helps to bring all who struggle with being ‘different' to
an understanding that being ‘normal' is not necessary to accomplish incredible
things in ones life. However, some Deaf living confidently and independently in
their culture may not need the benefits that equine therapy brings.
When the deaf want to communicate, they use actions. This is very similar to the
horse, when the rider wants the horse to move, turn, or stop, their seat
position and hands to do the talking. Horses can often sense danger before it
happens, and can alert their riders by their body language. Their ears, or the
tension that runs through their body, can tell the rider that something is
wrong. A sensitive rider can see and feel what the horse is telling them, and
they are given the advanced warning that allows them to equip themselves for
whatever is coming.
"One remarkable program that is yielding phenomenal results is
therapeutic horseback riding. Research shows this form of therapy works wonders
with almost every social work population: children, teens, juvenile delinquents,
physically challenged, developmentally delayed, blind, deaf, and all forms of
abuse."(Marion) Several successful foster homes, include having horses and/or
other farm and house animals. "Over 400,000 American children are in foster
care" (Steve). Several of those kids are deaf, and for the deaf in this
environment it can be difficult because their foster parents must know their
Sign Language, whether if they are deaf or hearing. Many of these kids, if not
all of them, have had or will have rough lives in past and possible future
homes. " Equine therapy is able to help foster parents better understand their
foster child all while helping them develop themselves into more suitable foster
parents."(David) Horses and other animals help deaf kids who are not able to get
out of their hiding place, to get out and feel at home.
Horse therapy has brought many people through rough times, help the
blind to trust, the hurt to see the good in this world. While horse therapy is
for these things it is also known for helping the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing.
How do horses ‘help' the Deaf, when in reality being Deaf is a culture and not a
disability? Many people have heard dogs being a hearing assistance, but not so
many hear of or think of horses. Although, horse therapy may not be needed or
wanted for all Deaf or even deaf, but it might be helpful to others.
Works Cited:
David. "Equine Therapy for the Foster Parent." Herd By A Horse. N.p., 25 Apr.
2013. Web. 21
Apr. 2017. <http://herdbyahorse.com/2013/04/25/equine-therapy-for-the-foster-parent/>
Steve, FC. "Statistics on Foster Care." FosterClub. FosterClub, Inc., 29 Oct.
2008. Web. 21 Apr. 2017. <https://www.fosterclub.com/article/statistics-foster-care>
Swindell, Marian. "Equine Therapy and Social Work: A Winning Combination."
SocialWorker.com. N.p., 16 Nov. 2013. Web. 21 Apr. 2017.<http://www.socialworker.com/featurearticles/practice/Equine_Therapy_and_Social_Work%3A_A_Winning_Combination/>
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