A hospital on the outskirts of Rome, where the hippodrome once hosted chariot races, is using hippotherapy to help neurological patients restore and regain their movements and confidence.
The San Giovanni Battista Hospital’s animals allow some people to take their first halting steps after trauma, strokes, degenerative diseases, as well as long Covid.
However, the four horses and two ponies, with handles on the sides of their saddles, move at a much slower pace than their predecessors, reports Reuters.
“It’s a beautiful feeling, to be able to stay in equilibrium, to be able to walk. It’s difficult but with the horse I can do it,” said former shooting champion Matteo Santopadre, who relies on a wheelchair after a months-long coma resulting from a car accident.
The hospital is the only one in Italy to use hippotherapy, which allows movements that would be harder to carry out in a gym to improve muscle strength, balance and co-ordination.
It also fosters connections between the animals and patients, who develop trust and affection for them in a gradual and sensory approach with huge psychological benefits.
The equine therapy programme, which operates alongside traditional rehabilitation, has been running for a few years. In 2023 it involved more than 600 patients.
Physiotherapist Giorgia De Santis said it helps that a horse “does not judge, is not prejudiced”.
“With its calm, quiet breathing and slow heartbeats (the horse) engages the patients, and leads them to relax, let their guard down, let go. It makes everything easier for them, more welcoming,” she said.
Giuliana Geatti and Paola Conto, both affected by Parkinson’s disease, say the hippotherapy gives them self-assurance and a new feeling of freedom.
“The contact with the animal is exceptional. Because it feels what you feel, you know?” Geatti said, who leaned forward to embrace the animal’s neck as she sat on its back.
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