Horses and mental health issues

[newboult51]

I know I’m probably not alone in suffering with mental health issues and have in the last few years suffered from severe depression and an eating disorder. I just wondered how may people gained ‘therapy’ from being with their horses? I find that grooming, feeding, and otherwise caring for my horse really helps my mood though the frustrations of horse owning (pulling when leading, napping, the list is endless....) can sometimes have a counter effect. What have people’s experiences been, if any?

 

[hopscotch bandit]

When I lost my Dad I found that going for a nice long hack and having a good cry miles from anywhere or anyone was quite therapeutic.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I don't think that it is just those with MH issues who find horses relaxing and mood-lifting, I think it applies to almost all horse-owners (or why would we bother?) and to plenty of non-horse owners too. After a hard day at work, immersing oneself in the horses, helps us all to put things into perspective.to

 

[vmac66]

Horses are so good for destressing. I went to the yard after one particularly bad day, stuck my nose on my mares neck and breathed in. Instant de stress.

 

[Michen]

I think actually horses very nearly caused me to have them! That said, I find them a welcome break from a very busy job and I do think they help destress, when they aren’t causing it...

 

[starfish8]

In spite of all the stress they cause - on the whole they are a de-stresser for me. They provide something I have to give my full attention to & therefore a period of time when I cannot think about work/life stress - especially when riding. I'm yet to find anything else that prevents my mind wandering quite so effectively.

 

[SpringArising]

Like others have said, it depends on the horse. I've had some horses who do absolutely nothing to alleviate a bad mood, and others who were/are the sweetest things who make me smile.

 

[Lintel]

Horses are so good for destressing. I went to the yard after one particularly bad day, stuck my nose on my mares neck and breathed in. Instant de stress.

I read that as horses are distressing... and they blooming well are especially when they are breaking fences, losing shoes... using your last penny but... they are so calming to be around and they certainly help my mental health!

 

[flying_high]

When horses have health or behavioural issues, or livery issues (and often out of owners control) can be very very stressful.

But generally I think horses are relaxing and mental health beneficial

 

[blitznbobs]

Horses are great for mental health as they make you get up and do something - it they give you routine and somewhere to go... purpose if you will. All these things are necessary for
Mental health recovery

 

[Tarragon]

My pony time I find is good for my soul; when you are up on the farm in the early morning with just your fuzzy ponies there is nothing better.
Sometimes not so good for my self-confidence when I feel that I never seem to manage what others seem to achieve with their ponies - the perils of FaceBook!

 

[ester]

swings and roundabouts would be my conclusion. They cause as much distress as they rectify

 

[fabbydo]

I love all my horses but I truly don't think I would have coped with a very dark period without my (now retired) pony. She still makes me smile everyday. I owe her so much.
With funding so tight, I know just getting a an appointment with a mental health specialist is not easy but I do believe there should be more opportunities for people to have 'animal based' therapies.

 

[tankgirl1]

I don't know if I would still be here if it wasn't for my mare to put it bluntly

 

[newboult51]

I don't know if I would still be here if it wasn't for my mare to put it bluntly

Sorry to hear that, I know just where you’re coming from, I’ve had real moments of despair over the last couple of years myself.

 

[Hazkirbo]

I absolutely adore spending time with my horse and really do believe he saved my life. However riding completely stresses me out when I’m having a tough time and most of my rides end in tears. Saying that, it’s helping me to deal with my emotions as I have to find other ways to cope because I can’t just throw a wobbly when things aren’t going as planned.

My horse puts up with a lot and takes it all in his stride. He really has been a massive part of my ongoing recovery and I’d be absolutely lost without him.

 

[Chinchilla]

The running joke in the family has always been that I got my mare because she was a lot cheaper and longer lasting than private therapy. Not sure if the former bit is true though!
I find donkeys* and in fact most animals, maybe except dogs, quite therapeutic to spend time with too though, maybe even moreso than horses because I don't feel like there is anything I 'need' to do with them.
* hence my profile pic.