How can emotional regulation be taught through therapeutic riding?

Teaching emotional regulation through therapeutic riding can be effectively achieved by guiding riders in managing their emotions while interacting with horses. The bond between humans and horses is unique, as it offers opportunities for riders to experience their emotions in real-time and learn to regulate them. For instance, a rider may feel nervous or anxious when approaching a horse. An instructor can help the rider acknowledge these feelings, understand their triggers, and develop coping strategies, such as deep breathing or self-talk, to manage those emotions.

The horse serves as a responsive partner; it mirrors the rider's emotional state, which can provide immediate feedback. If a rider is calm and focused, the horse is likely to respond positively, reinforcing the connection between emotion and behavior. This interaction teaches riders that they can influence their environment through their emotional regulation, which is a vital skill not only in therapeutic riding but also in daily life.

In contrast, avoiding interactions with horses does not foster emotional growth, competition can create stress rather than providing a safe space for emotional exploration, and focusing only on physical riding skills neglects the emotional and psychological benefits that therapeutic riding intends to provide. Thus, guiding riders in emotional management during their interactions with horses is essential for promoting emotional regulation.