EQUINE-FACILITATED MENTAL HEALTH
COURSE REQUIREMENTS / COURSE DESCRIPTIONS / EQUINE SCIENCE / FACULTY
Do you have an interest in studying psychology or equine science?
How about both?
Now you can with our unique concentration in Equine-Facilitated Mental Health! Added to our list of programs for fall 2010, Equine-Facilitated Mental Health offers a concentration that combines elements of both psychology and social work, which are offered as majors at Judson, and equine science, which is offered as a minor at Judson. Major or minor in either one of the three, placing a special focus on Equine-Facilitated Mental Health studies, and you could be on your way to a very rewarding career that involves both horses and helping people with needs!
What is Equine-Facilitated Mental Health?
This concentration is a form of therapeutic riding, a program which has existed since 1952 in every state under the guidance of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). Although the origin of organized therapeutic riding is relatively new, the therapeutic value of horseback riding has been around for centuries. Each year, dozens of new therapeutic horseback riding centers initiate new programs under NARHA, and more than 38,000 individuals with disabilities benefit from equine-related activities. These activities include but are not limited to:
- Therapeutic riding
- Hippotherapy
- Equine assisted psychotherapy
- Driving
- Interactive vaulting
- Competition
Who can I help that will benefit from EFMH?
Equine-Facilitated Mental Health can provide equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) for people with pscyhological issues and mental health needs. People who can benefit from EFP include people with:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Autism
Other individuals who benefit from equine-facilitated therapy and activities can include those with:
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Cerebral Palsy
- Visual Impairment
- Down's Syndrome
- Mental Retardation
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Spina Bifida
- Emotional Disabilities
- Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Amputations
- Learning Disabilities
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Deafness
- Cardiovascular accident / Stroke
How can I become a part of this unique opportunity?
If you are interested in pursuing a major with a focus in Equine Therapy, you can do so as part of our Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology or Social Work. This course work will include:
- 15 credit hours of core psychology classes
- Education Psychology and Special Needs Children courses, in particular
Equine Therapy coursework will include:
- Textbook study
- Community service work with horses, where you may find yourself, for example, giving nursing home residents a chance to pet the animals.
What could I gain from this concentration at Judson?
Besides gaining infinite knowledge about the benefits of equine therapy, you will also have the opportunity to become a NARHA Registered Instructor by performing volunteer work and completing a Therapeutic Horsemanship Internship at one of the five NARHA accredited centers in the state of Alabama.
JUMP ON BOARD! Check out our list of course requirements above and meet the faculty today!
*** Interested in riding for Judson College? Be a member of our elite Equestrian team! Get the facts by visiting our Equine homepage.
* Want to know more? Drop us a line at admissions@judson.edu.
*CONTRIBUTING SOURCE: www.narha.org
