This is why horses are so good to use as therapy for children. A child who is given just a little insight into dealing with a horse in the right way can become the natural leader the horse is looking for.
The horse in return feels safe and peaceful and will cooperate with what the child asks of him.
A horse is looking for simple and clear commands, and a child, with the right encouragement and in the right situation, can carry these out very effectively. "Go, stop, back up, turn this way or that way" is all that's needed.
"For children with mental and emotional disorders the positive benefits of getting a horse to carry out these commands are often profound.
Children with ADD will focus on the horse for long periods while grooming or leading the horse when usually they can't concentrate long enough to do anything much.
Autistic children who are withdrawn and live very much in their own world will begin to express themselves - often using new words or gestures they've never expressed before.
Once children realize what they can achieve their self-esteem increases in leaps and bounds
Imagine what it must feel like to lead an animal through an obstacle course, stopping and starting when you want to, when you usually find it difficult to concentrate, communicate or stay in control?.
