Equoterapia em ambientes naturais: um estudo de caso no IFRS - Campus Sertão

Abstract

Equine therapy is a therapeutic and educational method that uses horses for the development of people with disabilities or special needs and seeks the biopsychosocial development of the individual, through an interdisciplinary approach in the areas of health, education and horse riding. This case study addresses equine therapy sessions that take place in natural environments, highlighting their benefits in the perception of the multidisciplinary team that carries out the physical and emotional interventions recommended to practitioners. The study location was the Crioulo Horse Riding Center at IFRS Campus Sertão – (CECC). The present study aims to analyze equine therapy practices in natural spaces and their implications in the perception of professionals who work in equine therapy activities at CECC. In this team's perception, 86.4% point out that natural environments offer several advantages over artificial environments, facilitating non-verbal communication and promoting a more effective therapeutic environment. The benefits of natural environments include well-being, stress reduction and development of motor and cognitive skills. This study concludes that equine therapy in natural environments, with regular sessions, helps and offers relevant benefits for all members of the therapeutic triad, made up of professionals, practitioners and the horse. Immersion in a natural environment contributes to the individual's biopsychosocial development, promoting physical, emotional and cognitive well-being, in addition to facilitating communication and strengthening the relationship between the practitioner and the therapist.