Horse psychological soothing training method
Through horse psychological soothing training methods and combined with riding and tactile training techniques, the movement, cognitive and emotional obstacles of children with cerebral palsy have been solved, and the overall physical, cognitive and emotional improvements have been achieved in children.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510082426.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-13
- Estimated Expiration
- Not applicable · inactive patent
AI Technical Summary
Children with cerebral palsy have significant obstacles in their motor, cognitive and emotional aspects, and existing treatments are difficult to comprehensively improve their functional and development potential.
The psychological soothing training method of horses is adopted, and through the evaluation and guidance of professional equestrian therapists and rehabilitation doctors, combined with riding, tactile training, synchronous gait training and other technologies, it helps children conduct comprehensive physical, cognitive and emotional training.
Through the horse psychological soothing training method, children with cerebral palsy enhance balance, coordination and strength physically; improve gait coordination and sense of rhythm cognitively; improve self-confidence, social skills and emotional control, and provide comprehensive recovery support.
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of psychological auxiliary treatment, in particular to a psychological relief training method for horses. Background Art
[0002] Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder caused by incomplete or damaged brain development, usually before, during or shortly after birth. It mainly affects children's motor skills, muscle coordination and postural control. Symptoms vary from individual to individual. Common manifestations include muscle tension or excessive relaxation, difficulty with balance, slow movement and certain cognitive or language disorders. Cerebral palsy does not worsen over time, but it can affect children's daily activities and physical functions. Treatment usually includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and drug intervention, with the goal of improving children's independence and quality of life. Although cerebral palsy cannot be cured, early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment can significantly improve patients' functions and development potential.
[0003] To this end, we propose a psychological relaxation training method for horses. Summary of the invention
[0004] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a horse psychological relaxation training method, comprising the following steps:
[0005] S1: Treatment preparation stage
[0006] S1.1: Initial assessment: Before starting treatment, professional equestrian therapists and rehabilitation doctors will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the child’s physical condition, motor skills, cognitive level, and emotional state. This stage requires detailed records of the child’s motor impairment type, muscle tone, joint flexibility, balance ability, and emotional needs;
[0007] Set treatment goals: Based on the assessment results, determine treatment goals, including improving muscle strength, enhancing coordination, improving balance, enhancing social skills, and improving self-confidence;
[0008] Child safety: Ensure that the equine therapy venue meets safety requirements and that the horses are professionally trained and have sufficient docility and patience to interact with children with special needs.
[0009] S1.2: Horse adaptation: Choose a suitable horse for your child. The therapist will ensure that the child has established a certain trusting relationship with the horse. The initial contact can be through observing and touching the horse's back, legs and other parts, gradually making the child feel relaxed;
[0010] Simple riding practice: Provide children with basic riding equipment, such as a small saddle, soft helmet, etc., to ensure that children have sufficient support during riding.
[0011] S2: Treatment implementation phase
[0012] S2.1: Practice sitting and standing: Improve the strength of the core muscles by letting the child sit firmly and maintain balance on the horse's back. Gradually transition to requiring the child to maintain static balance on the horse's back for a certain period of time to enhance physical strength and stability;
[0013] Lateral movement: The therapist can guide the child to move the horse sideways through instructions, which helps to exercise the child's lateral balance and coordination;
[0014] Synchronized gait: The gait of a horse is similar to the walking pattern of a human being, especially the horse's gait (the rhythm and amplitude of the steps) is very helpful for children with cerebral palsy to imitate the gait. Through walking training on horseback, children can perceive the rhythm of the gait and gradually imitate it, which helps to improve gait coordination, stride and posture;
[0015] Walking training at different speeds: By letting the horse walk at different speeds, the child's muscle tension and dynamic balance can be trained. Slow gaits help enhance the child's stability, and fast gaits can improve muscle reaction speed and adaptability.
[0016] S2.2: Physical contact with horses: Hippotherapy is not limited to riding itself, but also involves tactile training through physical contact between children and horses. For example, children can come into contact with the fur, legs and back of horses. These tactile stimuli help improve children's body perception and activate their nervous system.
[0017] Horseback vibration: When a horse walks and runs, its body will produce tiny vibrations, which are transmitted to the child's body through the saddle, especially the spine and hips. This natural vibration can improve the feedback of the nervous system, enable children to better perceive the body's movements and coordination, and promote the remodeling of the nervous system;
[0018] Simple tasks and games: Design some equestrian-related tasks for children, such as touching the horse's ears, head, neck, etc. with your hands to train your child's hand-eye coordination. In addition, you can also let your child touch small objects on the saddle with his fingers, or complete throwing and grabbing tasks during riding to improve fine motor skills;
[0019] Grip training: Therapists can teach children to use handlebars or reins to control riding, building strength and coordination in their fingers and hands.
[0020] S3: Psychological and emotional counseling stage
[0021] S3.1: Emotional support: Equestrian therapy is not only a physical training, but also helps children build self-confidence. In the process of riding, children experience the trust and cooperation of horses. This interaction can greatly enhance children's self-esteem and self-confidence. Especially for children with cerebral palsy who have greater social barriers, equestrian training can be an effective way of emotional support;
[0022] Interactive communication: Hippotherapy also provides a platform for children to interact with therapists, parents and other children. Through horse riding classes, children can develop social skills, participate in group activities and enhance interpersonal communication skills;
[0023] Establishing an emotional connection with horses: The gentleness and stability of horses help children relieve negative emotions such as anxiety and fear. By establishing a trusting relationship with horses, children gradually reduce the emotional gap with others;
[0024] Relaxation training: During treatment, children can practice relaxation exercises through interaction with the horses, such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation and other techniques to relieve physical tension, which helps regulate emotions.
[0025] S4: Follow-up and re-evaluation after treatment
[0026] S4.1: Treatment effect evaluation: The treatment effect evaluation is carried out regularly every month, mainly including the child's motor skills (such as balance, coordination, muscle strength), psychological emotions (such as self-confidence, anxiety), social adaptability, etc. The child's progress is recorded through quantitative assessment tools, and the treatment plan is adjusted as needed;
[0027] Adjust the treatment plan: Based on the evaluation results, the therapist can gradually increase the difficulty of treatment or change the content of treatment. For example, as the body coordination improves, more complex riding movements, such as obstacle training, can be gradually introduced to further challenge the child's motor skills.
[0028] S4.2: Parental involvement: Parents should actively participate in the treatment process and learn how to help their children through simple horse riding skills or activities in daily life. Parents can accompany their children in horse riding activities to enhance intimacy and communication between family members;
[0029] Family Support Network: Equine therapists can help parents build a support network to share experiences, provide emotional support, and assist parents in taking an active role in the treatment process.
[0030] Preferably, the physical assessment in step S1 is performed by a rehabilitation doctor or a professional therapist to assess the child's motor function, muscle tension, joint flexibility, gait, etc. For example, check whether the child's muscles have high tension (spasm) or low tension (relaxation), which will directly affect the direction and intensity of treatment. Cognitive and emotional assessment: Through interaction with the child and the parents, the child's emotional state, social skills and cognitive ability are assessed. For example, whether there are language barriers, attention problems or mood swings, setting goals: setting short-term and long-term treatment goals according to the child's specific situation, such as improving gait, strengthening muscle strength, improving social skills, etc. Safety assessment: ensure that the venue and equipment meet the safety needs of children. Evaluate the behavior of the horses to ensure that they are well-trained, docile, and suitable for interacting with children with special needs.
[0031] Preferably, in step S1, horse adaptation: the therapist guides the child to have low-intensity contact with the horse. At the beginning, the child can stand next to the horse and gently touch the horse's neck or head to gradually become familiar with the horse's smell and appearance and reduce fear. Horse observation: let the child observe the horse's behavior from a distance and gradually adapt them to the horse's movements and aura. The therapist will guide the child to understand the horse's non-verbal signals (such as ear movement, breathing, etc.). Simple riding experience: with the assistance of the therapist, the child tries to sit on the saddle next to the horse. At the beginning, do not ride, just stay on the horse's back to let the child adapt to the feeling of the horse's back.
[0032] Preferably, in step S2, sitting training: let the child ride at a steady gait, starting from a simple sitting position, the therapist will provide necessary support, such as through a safety belt, handrails, etc. to help the child maintain balance. The therapist will guide the child to maintain a straight sitting position to avoid excessive bending or asymmetry of the spine. Standing training: as the child's balance ability improves, the therapist will guide the child to gradually try to stand on the horse's back. At first, auxiliary tools (such as support frames or handrails) can be used to help the child maintain a standing position, and gradually train the strength of the leg and core muscles. Synchronous gait experience: the pace of the horse when walking is similar to the gait of the human body. The therapist adjusts the pace of the horse to let the child experience the rhythm of walking. The therapist speeds up or slows down the horse through instructions to train the child's muscle reaction ability and coordination. Gait rhythm sense: by continuously increasing the complexity of the horse's steps (such as changing the pace rhythm or direction), help the child enhance the perception of the pace and body center of gravity. Simple movement instructions, such as "walk fast" and "walk slowly", can be combined to help the child maintain balance during riding.
[0033] Preferably, in step S2, when the child is riding on the horse's back, he can touch the horse's fur, legs, neck, etc. The therapist will guide the child on how to perceive the horse's body movements during riding. For example, when the horse moves, the child can feel the horse's movements by touching the horse's back with his hands, thereby enhancing their tactile sensitivity. Tactile perception enhancement: The therapist can let the child use his hands to sense the temperature, humidity and muscle movement of the horse's body. Through different tactile stimulations, help children improve their sensory sensitivity. The tiny vibrations generated by the horse when walking affect the child's spine and buttocks. This vibration helps activate the nervous system and improve muscle tension and body feedback. The therapist will adjust the intensity of riding according to the child's receptive ability, allowing the child to experience the stimulation of vibration on the body and promote the remodeling of the nervous system. During riding, the therapist can guide the child to do some simple tasks, such as grabbing objects on the saddle with his hands, or playing simple interactive games with other children. Through grabbing and throwing movements, children's hand-eye coordination can be trained. Object manipulation during riding: children can be designed to grab or throw small objects (such as light balls, rings, etc.) during riding to train their fine motor skills and enhance the coordination of fingers, wrists and arms. During the riding process, children can try to hold the reins and learn how to control the direction and speed of the horse by pulling the reins. This training helps to strengthen children's hand strength and requires coordination of vision and hand movements.
[0034] Preferably, in step S3, the equestrian therapist will help the child to enhance self-confidence through warm and encouraging language throughout the treatment process. For example, the child is encouraged to build self-confidence through small achievements during riding (such as maintaining balance and controlling the horse). The non-verbal communication of the horse: during the interaction with the horse, the child can feel the trust and response of the horse. This perception helps them reduce anxiety and self-doubt and gradually improve their sense of self-worth. During the treatment process, the child not only interacts with the therapist, but also participates in horse riding training with other children. Through group activities, children can enhance team awareness and social skills, such as taking turns riding and collaborating with each other to complete tasks.
[0035] Preferably, in step S4, monthly assessment: the therapist will regularly record the child's athletic ability, mental health, social status, etc., and conduct quantitative assessment through observation and communication with parents. For example, assess the child's progress in gait, balance, muscle strength, etc., record mood swings and changes in self-confidence, treatment feedback and adjustment: if the treatment goals are achieved, the therapist will add new challenges, such as equestrian obstacle training, etc.; if the treatment progress is slow, the intensity of riding, training content, etc. can be adjusted, parent training: the therapist will regularly provide guidance to parents to help them learn how to continue the treatment process in a home environment. For example, teach parents how to simulate horse riding at home, or how to promote emotional connection by interacting with horses with their children.
[0036] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a horse psychological relaxation training method, which has the following features:
[0037] Beneficial effects:
[0038] This horse psychological relief training method, through equestrian therapy, can improve children with cerebral palsy on multiple levels, including physical, cognitive and emotional. The process of riding a horse can not only enhance children's physical abilities such as balance, coordination, and strength, but also help them improve their self-confidence, social skills and emotional control. As a unique rehabilitation method, equestrian therapy can help provide all-round rehabilitation support for children with cerebral palsy by establishing a natural and warm connection through interaction with horses. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention are described clearly and completely below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0040] Example
[0041] An embodiment of a horse psychological relaxation training method
[0042] A horse psychological relaxation training method comprises the following steps:
[0043] S1: Treatment preparation stage
[0044] S1.1: Initial assessment: Before starting treatment, professional equestrian therapists and rehabilitation doctors will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the child’s physical condition, motor skills, cognitive level, and emotional state. This stage requires detailed records of the child’s motor impairment type, muscle tone, joint flexibility, balance ability, and emotional needs;
[0045] Set treatment goals: Based on the assessment results, determine treatment goals, including improving muscle strength, enhancing coordination, improving balance, enhancing social skills, and improving self-confidence;
[0046] Child safety: Ensure that the equine therapy venue meets safety requirements and that the horses are professionally trained and have sufficient docility and patience to interact with children with special needs.
[0047] S1.2: Horse adaptation: Choose a suitable horse for your child. The therapist will ensure that the child has established a certain trusting relationship with the horse. The initial contact can be through observing and touching the horse's back, legs and other parts, gradually making the child feel relaxed;
[0048] Simple riding practice: Provide children with basic riding equipment, such as a small saddle, soft helmet, etc., to ensure that children have sufficient support during riding.
[0049] S2: Treatment implementation phase
[0050] S2.1: Practice sitting and standing: Improve the strength of the core muscles by letting the child sit firmly and maintain balance on the horse's back. Gradually transition to requiring the child to maintain static balance on the horse's back for a certain period of time to enhance physical strength and stability;
[0051] Lateral movement: The therapist can guide the child to move the horse sideways through instructions, which helps to exercise the child's lateral balance and coordination;
[0052] Synchronized gait: The gait of a horse is similar to the walking pattern of a human being, especially the horse's gait (the rhythm and amplitude of the steps) is very helpful for children with cerebral palsy to imitate the gait. Through walking training on horseback, children can perceive the rhythm of the gait and gradually imitate it, which helps to improve gait coordination, stride and posture;
[0053] Walking training at different speeds: By letting the horse walk at different speeds, the child's muscle tension and dynamic balance can be trained. Slow gaits help enhance the child's stability, and fast gaits can improve muscle reaction speed and adaptability.
[0054] S2.2: Physical contact with horses: Hippotherapy is not limited to riding itself, but also involves tactile training through physical contact between children and horses. For example, children can come into contact with the fur, legs and back of horses. These tactile stimuli help improve children's body perception and activate their nervous system.
[0055] Horseback vibration: When a horse walks and runs, its body will produce tiny vibrations, which are transmitted to the child's body through the saddle, especially the spine and hips. This natural vibration can improve the feedback of the nervous system, enable children to better perceive the body's movements and coordination, and promote the remodeling of the nervous system;
[0056] Simple tasks and games: Design some equestrian-related tasks for children, such as touching the horse's ears, head, neck, etc. with your hands to train your child's hand-eye coordination. In addition, you can also let your child touch small objects on the saddle with his fingers, or complete throwing and grabbing tasks during riding to improve fine motor skills;
[0057] Grip training: Therapists can teach children to use handlebars or reins to control riding, building strength and coordination in their fingers and hands.
[0058] S3: Psychological and emotional counseling stage
[0059] S3.1: Emotional support: Equestrian therapy is not only a physical training, but also helps children build self-confidence. In the process of riding, children experience the trust and cooperation of horses. This interaction can greatly enhance children's self-esteem and self-confidence. Especially for children with cerebral palsy who have greater social barriers, equestrian training can be an effective way of emotional support;
[0060] Interactive communication: Hippotherapy also provides a platform for children to interact with therapists, parents and other children. Through horse riding classes, children can develop social skills, participate in group activities and enhance interpersonal communication skills;
[0061] Establishing an emotional connection with horses: The gentleness and stability of horses help children relieve negative emotions such as anxiety and fear. By establishing a trusting relationship with horses, children gradually reduce the emotional gap with others;
[0062] Relaxation training: During treatment, children can practice relaxation exercises through interaction with the horses, such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation and other techniques to relieve physical tension, which helps regulate emotions.
[0063] S4: Follow-up and re-evaluation after treatment
[0064] S4.1: Treatment effect evaluation: The treatment effect evaluation is carried out regularly every month, mainly including the child's motor skills (such as balance, coordination, muscle strength), psychological emotions (such as self-confidence, anxiety), social adaptability, etc. The child's progress is recorded through quantitative assessment tools, and the treatment plan is adjusted as needed;
[0065] Adjust the treatment plan: Based on the evaluation results, the therapist can gradually increase the difficulty of treatment or change the content of treatment. For example, as the body coordination improves, more complex riding movements, such as obstacle training, can be gradually introduced to further challenge the child's motor skills.
[0066] S4.2: Parental involvement: Parents should actively participate in the treatment process and learn how to help their children through simple horse riding skills or activities in daily life. Parents can accompany their children in horse riding activities to enhance intimacy and communication between family members;
[0067] Family Support Network: Equine therapists can help parents build a support network to share experiences, provide emotional support, and assist parents in taking an active role in the treatment process.
[0068] Specifically, the physical assessment in step S1 is performed by a rehabilitation doctor or professional therapist to assess the child's motor function, muscle tension, joint flexibility, gait, etc. For example, check whether the child's muscles have high tension (spasm) or low tension (relaxation), which will directly affect the direction and intensity of treatment. Cognitive and emotional assessment: Through interaction with the child and the parents, the child's emotional state, social skills and cognitive abilities are assessed. For example, whether there are language barriers, attention problems or mood swings, setting goals: according to the child's specific situation, set short-term and long-term treatment goals, such as improving gait, strengthening muscle strength, improving social skills, etc. Safety assessment: Ensure that the venue and equipment meet the safety needs of children. Evaluate the behavior of the horses to ensure that they are well-trained, docile, and suitable for interacting with children with special needs.
[0069] Specifically, in step S1, horse adaptation: the therapist guides the child to have low-intensity contact with the horse. At the beginning, the child can stand next to the horse and gently touch the horse's neck or head to gradually become familiar with the horse's smell and appearance and reduce fear. Horse observation: let the child observe the horse's behavior from a distance and gradually adapt them to the horse's movements and aura. The therapist will guide the child to understand the horse's non-verbal signals (such as ear movement, breathing, etc.). Simple riding experience: with the assistance of the therapist, the child tries to sit on the saddle next to the horse. At the beginning, do not ride, just stay on the horse's back to let the child adapt to the feeling of the horse's back.
[0070] Specifically, in step S2, sitting training: let the child ride at a steady gait, starting from a simple sitting position, the therapist will provide necessary support, such as safety belts, handrails, etc. to help the child maintain balance. The therapist will guide the child to maintain a straight sitting position to avoid excessive bending or asymmetry of the spine. Standing training: as the child's balance ability improves, the therapist will guide the child to gradually try to stand on the horse's back. At first, auxiliary tools (such as support frames or handrails) can be used to help the child maintain a standing position, and gradually train the strength of the leg and core muscles. Synchronous gait experience: the pace of the horse when walking is similar to the gait of the human body. The therapist adjusts the horse's pace to let the child experience the rhythm of walking. The therapist uses instructions to let the horse speed up or slow down to train the child's muscle reaction ability and coordination. Gait rhythm sense: by continuously increasing the complexity of the horse's steps (such as changing the pace or direction of the steps), help the child enhance the perception of the pace and body center of gravity. Simple movement instructions, such as "fast walk" and "slow walk", can be combined to help the child maintain balance during riding.
[0071] Specifically, in step S2, when the child is riding on the horse's back, he can touch the horse's fur, legs, neck, etc. The therapist will guide the child on how to perceive the horse's body movements during riding. For example, when the horse moves, the child can feel the horse's movements by touching the horse's back with his hands, thereby enhancing their tactile sensitivity. Tactile perception enhancement: The therapist can let the child use his hands to sense the temperature, humidity and muscle movement of the horse's body. Through different tactile stimulations, help children improve their sensory sensitivity. The tiny vibrations generated by the horse when walking affect the child's spine and hips. This vibration helps activate the nervous system and improve muscle tension and body feedback. The therapist will adjust the intensity of riding according to the child's receptive ability, allowing the child to experience the stimulation of vibration on the body and promote the remodeling of the nervous system. During riding, the therapist can guide the child to do some simple tasks, such as grabbing objects on the saddle with his hands, or playing simple interactive games with other children. Through grabbing and throwing movements, children's hand-eye coordination can be trained. Object manipulation during riding: children can be designed to grab or throw small objects (such as light balls, rings, etc.) during riding to train their fine motor skills and enhance the coordination of fingers, wrists and arms. During the riding process, children can try to hold the reins and learn how to control the direction and speed of the horse by pulling the reins. This training helps to strengthen children's hand strength and requires coordination of vision and hand movements.
[0072] Specifically, in step S3, the equestrian therapist will help the child to enhance his / her self-confidence through warm and encouraging language throughout the treatment process. For example, the child is encouraged to build confidence through small achievements during riding (such as maintaining balance and controlling the horse). The non-verbal communication of the horse: During the interaction with the horse, the child can feel the trust and response of the horse. This perception helps them reduce anxiety and self-doubt and gradually improve their sense of self-worth. During the treatment process, the child not only interacts with the therapist, but also participates in horse riding training with other children. Through group activities, the child can enhance team awareness and social skills, such as taking turns riding and collaborating with each other to complete tasks.
[0073] Specifically, in step S4, monthly assessment: the therapist will regularly record the child's athletic ability, mental health, social status, etc., and conduct quantitative assessments through observation and communication with parents. For example, assess the child's progress in gait, balance, muscle strength, etc., and record mood swings and changes in self-confidence. Treatment feedback and adjustment: If the treatment goals are achieved, the therapist will add new challenges, such as equestrian obstacle training; if the treatment progress is slow, the intensity of riding, training content, etc. can be adjusted. Parent training: The therapist will regularly provide guidance to parents to help them learn how to continue the treatment process in a home environment. For example, teach parents how to simulate horse riding at home, or how to promote emotional connection by interacting with horses with their children.
[0074] Through the above technical scheme, in the present invention, through equestrian therapy, children with cerebral palsy can be improved in multiple aspects, including physical, cognitive and emotional aspects. The process of riding a horse can not only enhance children's physical abilities such as balance, coordination, strength, etc., but also help them improve their self-confidence, social skills and emotional control. As a unique rehabilitation method, equestrian therapy can help provide all-round rehabilitation support for children with cerebral palsy by establishing a natural and warm connection through interaction with horses.
[0075] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A horse psychological relaxation training method, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1: Treatment preparation stage S1.1: Initial assessment: Before starting treatment, professional equestrian therapists and rehabilitation doctors will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the child’s physical condition, motor skills, cognitive level, and emotional state. This stage requires detailed records of the child’s motor impairment type, muscle tone, joint flexibility, balance ability, and emotional needs; Set treatment goals: Based on the assessment results, determine treatment goals, including improving muscle strength, enhancing coordination, improving balance, enhancing social skills, and improving self-confidence; Child safety: Ensure that the equine therapy venue meets safety requirements and that the horses are professionally trained and have sufficient docility and patience to interact with children with special needs. S1.2: Horse adaptation: Choose a suitable horse for your child. The therapist will ensure that the child has established a certain trusting relationship with the horse. The initial contact can be through observing and touching the horse's back, legs and other parts, gradually making the child feel relaxed; Simple riding practice: Provide children with basic riding equipment, such as a small saddle, soft helmet, etc., to ensure that children have sufficient support during riding. S2: Treatment implementation phase S2.1: Practice sitting and standing: Improve the strength of the core muscles by letting the child sit firmly and maintain balance on the horse's back. Gradually transition to requiring the child to maintain static balance on the horse's back for a certain period of time to enhance physical strength and stability; Lateral movement: The therapist can guide the child to move the horse sideways through instructions, which helps to exercise the child's lateral balance and coordination; Synchronized gait: The gait of a horse is similar to the walking pattern of a human being, especially the horse's gait (the rhythm and amplitude of the steps) is very helpful for children with cerebral palsy to imitate the gait. Through walking training on horseback, children can perceive the rhythm of the gait and gradually imitate it, which helps to improve gait coordination, stride and posture; Walking training at different speeds: By letting the horse walk at different speeds, the child's muscle tension and dynamic balance can be trained. Slow gaits help enhance the child's stability, and fast gaits can improve muscle reaction speed and adaptability. S2.2: Physical contact with horses: Hippotherapy is not limited to riding itself, but also involves tactile training through physical contact between children and horses. For example, children can come into contact with the fur, legs and back of horses. These tactile stimuli help improve children's body perception and activate their nervous system. Horseback vibration: When a horse walks and runs, its body will produce tiny vibrations, which are transmitted to the child's body through the saddle, especially the spine and hips. This natural vibration can improve the feedback of the nervous system, enable children to better perceive the body's movements and coordination, and promote the remodeling of the nervous system; Simple tasks and games: Design some equestrian-related tasks for children, such as touching the horse's ears, head, neck, etc. with your hands to train your child's hand-eye coordination. In addition, you can also let your child touch small objects on the saddle with his fingers, or complete throwing and grabbing tasks during riding to improve fine motor skills; Grip training: Therapists can teach children to use handlebars or reins to control riding, building strength and coordination in their fingers and hands. S3: Psychological and emotional counseling stage S3.1: Emotional support: Equestrian therapy is not only a physical training, but also helps children build self-confidence. In the process of riding, children experience the trust and cooperation of horses. This interaction can greatly enhance children's self-esteem and self-confidence. Especially for children with cerebral palsy who have greater social barriers, equestrian training can be an effective way of emotional support; Interactive communication: Hippotherapy also provides a platform for children to interact with therapists, parents and other children. Through horse riding classes, children can develop social skills, participate in group activities and enhance interpersonal communication skills; Establishing an emotional connection with horses: The gentleness and stability of horses help children relieve negative emotions such as anxiety and fear. By establishing a trusting relationship with horses, children gradually reduce the emotional gap with others; Relaxation training: During treatment, children can practice relaxation exercises through interaction with the horses, such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation and other techniques to relieve physical tension, which helps regulate emotions. S4: Follow-up and re-evaluation after treatment S4.1: Treatment effect evaluation: The treatment effect evaluation is carried out regularly every month, mainly including the child's motor skills (such as balance, coordination, muscle strength), psychological emotions (such as self-confidence, anxiety), social adaptability, etc. The child's progress is recorded through quantitative assessment tools, and the treatment plan is adjusted as needed; Adjust the treatment plan: Based on the evaluation results, the therapist can gradually increase the difficulty of treatment or change the content of treatment. For example, as the body coordination improves, more complex riding movements, such as obstacle training, can be gradually introduced to further challenge the child's motor skills. S4.2: Parental involvement: Parents should actively participate in the treatment process and learn how to help their children through simple horse riding skills or activities in daily life. Parents can accompany their children in horse riding activities to enhance intimacy and communication between family members; Family Support Network: Equine therapists can help parents build a support network to share experiences, provide emotional support, and assist parents in taking an active role in the treatment process.
2. A horse psychological relaxation training method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Physical assessment in step S1: performed by a rehabilitation doctor or professional therapist to assess the child's motor function, muscle tension, joint flexibility, gait, etc. For example, check whether the child's muscles have high tension (spasm) or low tension (relaxation), which will directly affect the direction and intensity of treatment. Cognitive and emotional assessment: through interaction with the child and the parents, assess the child's emotional state, social skills and cognitive ability. For example, whether there are language barriers, attention problems or mood swings, set goals: set short-term and long-term treatment goals according to the child's specific situation, such as improving gait, strengthening muscle strength, improving social skills, etc. Safety assessment: ensure that the venue and equipment meet the safety needs of children. Evaluate the behavior of the horses to ensure that they are well-trained, docile, and suitable for interacting with children with special needs.
3. A horse psychological relaxation training method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Horse adaptation in step S1: The therapist guides the child to have low-intensity contact with the horse. At the beginning, the child can stand next to the horse and gently touch the horse's neck or head to gradually become familiar with the horse's smell and appearance and reduce fear. Horse observation: Let the child observe the horse's behavior from a distance and gradually adapt to the horse's movements and aura. The therapist will guide the child to understand the horse's non-verbal signals (such as ear movement, breathing, etc.). Simple riding experience: With the assistance of the therapist, the child tries to sit on the saddle next to the horse. At the beginning, he does not ride, but only stays on the horse's back to let the child adapt to the feeling of the horse's back.
4. A horse psychological relaxation training method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Sitting training in step S2: let the child ride at a steady gait, starting from a simple sitting position, the therapist will provide necessary support, such as safety belts, handrails, etc. to help the child maintain balance. The therapist will guide the child to maintain an upright sitting position to avoid excessive bending or asymmetry of the spine. Standing training: as the child's balance ability improves, the therapist will guide the child to gradually try to stand on the horse's back. At first, auxiliary tools (such as support frames or handrails) can be used to help the child maintain a standing position, and gradually train the strength of the leg and core muscles. Synchronous gait experience: the pace of the horse when walking is similar to the gait of the human body. The therapist adjusts the horse's pace to let the child experience the rhythm of walking. The therapist instructs the horse to speed up or slow down, trains the child's muscle reaction ability and coordination, and gait rhythm sense: by continuously increasing the complexity of the horse's steps (such as changing the pace or direction of the steps), the child is helped to enhance the perception of the steps and body center of gravity. Simple movement instructions such as "fast walk" and "slow walk" can be combined to help the child maintain balance during riding.
5. A horse psychological relaxation training method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S2, when the child is riding on the horse's back, the child can touch the horse's fur, legs, neck, etc. The therapist will instruct the child on how to perceive the horse's body movements during riding. For example, when the horse moves, the child can feel the horse's movements by touching the horse's back with their hands, thereby enhancing their tactile sensitivity. Tactile perception enhancement: The therapist can let the child use his hands to feel the temperature, humidity and muscle movement of the horse's body. Through different tactile stimulations, help children improve their sensory sensitivity. The tiny vibrations generated by the horse when walking affect the child's spine and hips. This vibration helps activate the nervous system and improve muscle tension and body feedback. The therapist will adjust the intensity of riding according to the child's receptive ability, so that the child can experience the stimulation of vibration on the body and promote the remodeling of the nervous system. During the riding process, the therapist can guide the child to do some simple tasks, such as grabbing objects on the saddle with their hands, or playing simple interactive games with other children. Through grabbing and throwing movements, the child's hand-eye coordination ability is trained. Object operation during riding: The child can be designed to grab or throw small objects (such as light balls, rings, etc.) during riding to train their fine motor skills and enhance the coordination of fingers, wrists and arms. During the child's riding process, they can try to hold the reins and learn how to control the direction and speed of the horse by pulling the reins. This training helps to strengthen the child's hand strength and requires coordination of vision and hand movements.
6. A horse psychological relaxation training method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S3, the equestrian therapist will help the child to increase his or her self-confidence through warm and encouraging words throughout the treatment process. For example, the child is encouraged to build confidence through small achievements during riding (such as maintaining balance and controlling the horse). The non-verbal communication of the horse: During the interaction with the horse, the child can feel the trust and response of the horse. This perception helps them reduce anxiety and self-doubt and gradually improve their sense of self-worth. During the treatment process, the child not only interacts with the therapist, but also participates in horse riding training with other children. Through group activities, the child can enhance team awareness and social skills, such as taking turns riding and collaborating with each other to complete tasks.
7. A horse psychological relaxation training method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Monthly evaluation in step S4: The therapist will regularly record the child's motor skills, mental health, social status, etc., and conduct quantitative evaluation through observation and communication with parents. For example, evaluate the child's progress in gait, balance, muscle strength, etc., record mood swings and changes in self-confidence, treatment feedback and adjustment: If the treatment goals are achieved, the therapist will add new challenges, such as equestrian obstacle training, etc.; If the treatment progress is slow, the intensity of riding, training content, etc. can be adjusted. Parent training: Therapists will provide regular guidance to parents to help them learn how to continue the treatment process in a home environment. For example, they can teach parents how to simulate horse riding at home, or how to promote emotional connection by interacting with horses with their children.