• Interacting with horses can promote positive changes in the structure and function of the brain.
- The Local Government Board has approved a grant of 50,000 euros for the Association of Professionals of Horse Therapy, APTC, for the development of the program
- The initiative is aimed at students, with and without disabilities, from the three municipal Primary Education schools; and adults with intellectual disabilities, users of the Municipal Occupational Centers
- This training and therapeutic program is part of the battery of 10 inclusive education projects promoted by the City Council through the General Directorate of Disability.
The City Council has approved a grant of 49,704.86 euros for the Association of Professionals of Horse Therapy, APTC, aimed at carrying out a group training and therapeutic program for municipal centers, to be carried out by specialized personnel from the association.
This training and therapeutic program is part of the battery of 10 inclusive education projects promoted by the City Council through the General Directorate of Disability. The initiative is primarily aimed at two user groups: children, with and without disabilities, students from the three municipal Primary Education schools (CEIP Fernando de los Ríos, CEIP Beminaclet, and CEIP Santiago Grisolía); and adults with intellectual disabilities, users of the Municipal Occupational Centers.
In the first case, the creation of an inclusive space is considered so that students can enhance their social skills and approach the equestrian world from a playful and creative perspective, working on values such as group cohesion, companionship, respect, equality, and raising awareness about functional diversity.
In the case of the adult program, the project’s general objectives seek a significant improvement in the quality of life of the participants through therapeutic intervention with horses and multidisciplinary work; as well as enhancing social skills and promoting the social integration of users, fostering positive relationships and a sense of belonging. Additionally, the planned activities will facilitate the development of skills and competencies necessary to carry out daily activities autonomously and satisfactorily, and will contribute to boosting the self-esteem of the participants, strengthening their confidence in their abilities.
From a medical perspective, equine therapy is defined as an avant-garde therapeutic and educational method that is based on the theory of neuroplasticity and neurorestoration, indicating how interacting with horses can promote positive changes in the structure and function of the brain. From a psychological standpoint, cognitive-behavioral techniques are used in children and adults with physical or mental disabilities and special educational needs, with the active participation of the horse as a transitional and archetypal attachment figure.
