An 18-year-old woman with cerebral palsy, Chen You-ching, beams with joy each week as she prepares for her horse ride. Her father, Hector Chen, recalls her happiness from the very first session over 16 years ago. The therapy takes place at the Therapeutic Riding Center of Taiwan in Taoyuan, northern Taiwan, where children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, and ADHD find companionship and therapeutic benefits through interacting with horses.
Animal-assisted therapy is gaining global recognition for its effectiveness, whether helping children with intellectual disabilities or veterans coping with trauma. Abigail Liu reports that her five-year-old daughter, Ayah, who has Angelman Syndrome—a rare genetic disorder causing developmental delays—has shown remarkable progress. 'She started to be less scared about things she doesn’t know and is willing to try new things. All this started after she rode horses here,' Liu said.
Horses used in therapy undergo special training to remain calm and accommodate children's movements, according to horse therapist Chan Shu-ya. Children often hug the horses or listen to their heartbeats, and the animals stand still, offering comfort. Alain Chang, a riding coach at the Fang Hsing-Chung Social Welfare Foundation for Horses in Education and Health, notes, 'They feel very at ease, because the horse doesn't show annoyance even if they keep talking to it. For them to come here to touch them, to observe them or even to hug them, this is a very special experience.' Chang added that many students look forward to their weekly sessions, rain or shine.
