Horse Drum Hoofbeat Therapies

Equine Assisted Music Therapy is the evidence-based practice of balancing equestrian assisted therapies with neurologic-based music therapy exercises to aid in transferring dual supportive therapeutic exercises into improved client functions. The Equine Assisted Music Therapist has the combined skills of an Equine Assisted Therapies Coach and a Board-Certified Music Therapist. Evidentially, the rhythmic aspects of the motion of the horse, the grounded personalities of the horse for the client, and neuro-ecological approaches of music therapy coalesce to provide improved activities of daily living across population needs.

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Horses have a remarkable gift for supporting both physical and emotional resilience. The rhythmic, multi-dimensional movement of horses closely mirrors human gait, while also naturally matching with music tempo and meter providing a thorough mind-body connection for the rider. Beyond movement, horses are deeply sensitive and intuitive animals, communicating through the quiet language of body and emotion. Just as “when words fail, music speaks,” (Christian Andersen, circa 1840) therapy horses listen and respond empathetically, with honesty, kindness, and presence of being offering immediate feedback without judgment and a bond rooted in unconditional trust, acceptance, and affection.