Have you considered equine therapy as an activity?

Laura Adams is an Accredited Eagala Equine Psychotherapist, a registered NDIS Provider and ACA Accredited Master of Counselling, Level 4.

She has demonstrated experience as a nursing professional in all disciplines, in particular mental health and aged care. She has been involved in a research study with Central Queensland University evaluating an exercise intervention in people over 75 and their quality of life. Her key interests are working with horses, mental health, ageing and well-being.

Through her love of horses and counselling she has discovered the numerous benefits of equine therapy for older adults utilising the Eagala Model of therapy. The team approach of a mental health professional and equine specialist, provide ground-based activities such as brushing, grooming, leading, walking, caring for the horse, increasing the bond of the human-horse relationship.

A recent study of Eagala therapy found that people had an ability to find purpose and improved cognitive function due to their interaction with horses. There was an increased level of social connectedness and reminiscence, positive influence from peers and being in an outdoor environment. Equine therapy tends to be less stigmatising and a fresh approach to traditional talk therapy when working with older people.

One of my 85-year-old clients, with vision impairment found the therapy improved his cognitive function, mobility and balance and, he felt more connected with family and friends.

With a new sense of purpose, he was getting out of bed, getting dressed and was always in a brighter mood on the mornings of our therapy session. As he had a connection with horses, earlier in life, being reconnected with them again, has proven to be beneficial. For others, Equine therapy may open the stable door to new experiences.

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