Equines: Fascinating curiosities about horses and their therapeutic use in the recovery of patients

There are over 300 horse breeds around the world, grouped into three distinct categories. Domesticated horses play an extremely important role in patient therapy and recovery.

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Horses are majestic and impressive animals, famous for their strength, beauty and grace. Throughout history, they have played important roles in human interaction, from being used as a means of transportation to shows and races. Furthermore, these animals have shown incredible therapeutic potential. in aiding the recovery of patients with different health conditions.

Horses

The horse represents one of two extant subspecies of Equus ferus, (A species of equidae) that currently exist. Classified as a perissodactyl mammal (land mammals), it belongs to the taxonomic family Equidae. Its evolution dates back to an estimated period between 45 million and 55 million years ago, when it started out as a small creature with multiple fingers known as Eohippus. Over time, this species developed until it reached the majestic animal of today, characterized by having a single finger.

The domestication of horses began around 4000 BC and became widespread around 3000 BC. Horses of the subspecies caballus were the first to be domesticated, although some domesticated populations can still be found living in the wild as wild horses. It is important to clarify that these populations cannot be considered true "wild" horses, since that term is reserved for horses that have never been domesticated, such as Przewalski's horse. This species is endangered and is considered the only true wild horse left in the wild.

The universe related to horses has an extensive and specialized vocabulary that covers several concepts, from anatomy to life stages, size, colors, markings, breeds, locomotion and behavior of these animals.

Races

The horse breeds can be broadly categorized into three groups., based on your predominant temperament. The first group is made up of the "hot blooded" horses, known for their speed and endurance. On the other hand, we have the group of "cold-blooded" horses, used for traction and heavy work, and some types of ponies that fall into this category. And, finally, there is the group of "warm blooded" horses, which arise from crosses between the characteristics of warm and cold blood.

Warm-blooded horses have received special attention in Europe, where specific breeds are created for equestrian activities, mainly in equestrianism. This cross seeks to combine the desired qualities of both strains, aiming to achieve an ideal balance between speed, endurance and strength. This classification of horse breeds according to temperament is a useful approach to understanding their general characteristics and practical applications, helping breeders and riders to choose the right animal for each specific purpose.

Other curiosities about horses:

1. Variety of Breeds: There are over 300 horse breeds around the world, each with its own unique traits. From the small Falabella, which measures about 70 cm in height, to the imposing Andalusian Horse, which can measure more than 1.60 meters, there is a great diversity of sizes and physical characteristics.

2. Wide vision: Horses' eyes have a binocular visual field of approximately 65 degrees, which allows them to have a panoramic view in almost all directions. This is critical to their survival in the wild.

3. Hearing ability: Horses have extremely keen hearing, being able to hear sounds at much higher frequencies than humans. They can pick up sounds from a considerable distance and in different directions, providing them with an excellent mechanism to detect possible threats.

4. Horses are capable of sleeping both standing and lying down, with youngsters tending to sleep significantly longer than adults.

5. The mares, which are the females, carry their young for about 11 months.

6. Foals, young horses, can stand and run right after birth.

7. They reach full adult development around age five and have an average life expectancy of between 25 and 30 years.

Therapeutic use of horses in the recovery of patients:

1. Equine therapy: Equine therapy is a form of therapy that uses horses as part of the physical and emotional rehabilitation process. Contact with these animals helps patients improve balance, motor coordination, muscle strength and concentration. In addition, the bond established with horses promotes emotional benefits, such as increased self-esteem, reduced anxiety and improved social interaction.

2. Positive Interaction: The presence of horses in therapies helps to create a calm and stimulating environment for patients. The connection between animals and people helps in the development of social and emotional skills. In addition, interaction with horses can promote feelings of well-being and joy, which contributes to a more optimistic recovery.

3. Physical Stimulation: The natural movement of the horse when walking or trotting provides beneficial physical stimulation for patients. These three-dimensional movements promote improvements in balance, muscle strengthening and proprioception, which is the perception of one's own body in space.

4. Inclusion and motivation: Equine therapy is an inclusive therapy, allowing people with different types of disabilities and health conditions to participate. This promotes patients' motivation and self-confidence, as they have the opportunity to overcome challenges and gain new skills.

In short, horses not only fascinate with their beauty and strength, but also play a significant role in patient therapy and recovery. Equine therapy, through contact and interaction with these animals, offers a unique therapeutic means to promote physical, emotional and social improvements in various health conditions.