Equine Therapy

The horse is a truly magnificent animal. Think of all the books and movies that have been created over the years starring a horse and owner. At the top of the list there is Black Beauty, Flicka, and Seabiscuit among numerous others. What is the common theme? Could it be the connection between horse and rider? John Yoder, out of Gridely Illinois, has been around horses his whole life. In his experiences he has noticed how horses can become far more than a friend to someone; they can help their riders overcome certain health/emotional obstacles known as equine therapy.

Equine therapy is becoming more and more popular as occupational, physical, and speech therapists turn to horses in order to get through to their patients. Horses help their riders learn coordination, communication, and responsibility among several other factors that people often overlook. Yoder sees, first hand, the positive effects of horses as his daughter, struggling with abnormal muscle tone, interacts with them. He enjoys seeing his hard work pay off as so many people can benefit from the responsibility that comes with riding horses.

“I want to help as many people as I can. We’re only here for a short time, and I want to make a difference. I really understand horses. I really love and appreciate horses. Horses can help people in so many ways that we don’t understand,” Yoder said.

The healing power of equine therapy

In his spare time, Yoder enjoys going on camping trips with his daughter, training horses for other people, and giving wagon rides at charitable functions.
To hear an interview with John Yoder, click here http://www.box.net/shared/m7t6v2pca25u7pe1geiq