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Easing the Effects of Dementia with Help from Horses

After nearly 40 years of marriage, Charlotte Driver is confronting one of life鈥檚 biggest challenges 鈥 losing her connection to her husband, Richard, as he gradually loses his memory. Diagnosed with early onset dementia, it鈥檚 only a matter of time before he develops .

Determined to stave off the disease for as long as possible, the Drivers enrolled in a unique program aimed at harnessing the healing power of horses to improve the quality of life for people affected by dementia and their care partners. They visited the (CEH) at the 嘿嘿视频 last fall, along with six other couples, to participate in a research project that grew out of a collaboration with the 嘿嘿视频 and , a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all those affected by dementia.

Over the course of three weeks, the Drivers joined the others in five-hour workshops designed to gradually introduce the couples to the horses. For Charlotte, it was an entirely novel experience; she had never touched a horse. But Richard was excited about being around horses again. As a teenager, he helped a neighbor care for his horses.

鈥淭hey can really read your emotions,鈥 Richard said. 鈥淏eing around them brought back a lot of happy memories. I鈥檓 more conscious of my environment and my emotions while with horses.鈥

And that鈥檚 one of the main goals of the project 鈥 helping the patient and care giver get in touch with themselves and each other.

鈥淭his is a journey about relationships,鈥 said Paula Hertel, a co-founder of Connected Horse. 鈥淚t鈥檚 therapeutic for both of the partners.鈥

Two adults hold a rope as they lead a horse alongside a barn
Human and equine participants in The Connected Horse Project build and strengthen connections with each other. (Photo courtesy of Elaine Chan)

Initial study results are promising, Hertel said. Participants report decreased anxiety and depression, better sleep quality and a stronger sense of social support. She and co-founder Nancy Schier Anzelmo have presented their findings at several conferences to date, including the Alzheimer鈥檚 Association鈥檚 International Conference.

Not only are the equine experiences healing for people, they provide meaningful work for older horses too, said Claudia Sonder, director of outreach for CEH.

鈥淭his work is a great example of the one health initiative to solve problems for animals and humans, and gather significant science along the way,鈥 Sonder said. 鈥淲e plan to monitor the effect of the interaction on the horses as well as the humans, and I suspect it will be a win-win for both.鈥

A horse nuzzles a woman's hand as a nearby man smiles
Older horses respond to their environment in ways that put people, even those like Charlotte Driver who have never interacted with the animals before, at ease. (Photo courtesy of Elaine Chan)

The United States is home to more horses than any other nation, and we have a problem of many unwanted horses in this country, Sonder explains. Familiarity with the horse is at an all-time low, as the horse has transitioned away from its historical use as a war and transportation animal over the past 200 years. Many horses live into their 30s, and as they age, they become less suitable for recreational use; yet their experience and mental maturity make them much safer than young horses for interaction with people who know nothing about horses.

鈥淭he thought that we could harness the amazing social benefits of the horse-human interaction and give the geriatric horse a role in modern day society is truly exciting,鈥 she says. 鈥淲e have seen the benefits of horse-assisted therapy with autistic children, children with physical disabilities, post-traumatic stress syndrome victims, and in prisoner rehabilitation programs.鈥

She explained that horses have evolved over millions of years as prey animals to be highly in tune with their environment. They survive by reading their environment and their herd mates and reacting to cues. That makes them a great social mirror, as they will react to humans and reflect back the energy of the interaction, teaching humans confidence, self-awareness and self-control. 

In addition to gaining a new appreciation for the sensitive nature of horses, Charlotte said they gained something more.

鈥淲hen we left, we felt a sense of accomplishment and hope. We have hope no matter what happens 鈥 we鈥檒l never give up,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 look at life a lot differently now and want to give this feeling to other people.鈥

Communications and marketing officer Trina Wood is the 嘿嘿视频 School of Veterinary Medicine鈥檚 communications 鈥淛ill of All Trades.鈥

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