These are a few of the many benefits of equine therapy. The treatment, she notes, did not catch on in the United States until about 1970. The Remuda Ranch , about 60 miles northwest of Phoenix, Arizona, uses it to treat anorexics and bulimics. Remuda employs instructors certified in EAP who develop programs tailored to each patient's individual needs and capabilities. Treatment consists of two ninety-minute riding sessions per week and requires the patient to perform such caregiving duties as grooming and saddling the horse.
Horsemanship helps build the self-esteem necessary for recovery.
Although skeletal, anorexics see themselves as fat. The anorexic's awareness of her size in relation to the horse's helps to correct her distorted body image. Communication and Trust. Eating disordered persons have unhealthy communication habits and difficulty trusting people. The non-verbal relationship that develops between patient and horse will help her in future dealings with humans.