By Melodie Veldhuizen

Unfortunately, physical and emotional challenges and even physical and emotional abuse are a reality for many of our children, resulting in them finding it difficult to relate to people, especially as far as trust is concerned. However, these children are capable of forging wonderful ties with animals. Jannes von Backstrom of Rustic Roads Equestrian Centre talks about Equitherapy and how it can help children overcome these challenges. “Horse-riding is one of the most beautiful types of sports, but also one that is associated with great sadness,” Jannes says.

Jannes describes Equiherapy as horses and riders combining to deal with emotional, traumatic of physical conditions or events. He believes no challenge is either too big or too small to deal with. Experience has shown that any physical, emotional or behavioural problems can be treated with the aid of Equitherapy. Horse-riding, for instance, is excellent therapy for children suffering from epilepsy or autism. Children with hearing or visual defects also benefit from horse-riding. “Seeing this happen, makes one feel anything is possible!”

At Rustic Roads Equestrian Centre no medical or psychological report on the child is required. After all, who knows a child better than its own parents? “Prior to the first session we conduct an interview with the parents, which gives us enough background information on the child. This gives us a good measure to compare our experience with the child during the sessions with the parents’ experience at that stage. In this way we can see if there has been any change in the child’s behaviour or emotional condition over time.”

Jannes talks about the training and character of the horses and fitting between horse and rider. “Horses are soulful creatures, similar to humans. And, as with humans, some of them have followed strange routes on their roads of life. Every horse we use is selected individually. Some even have been rescued from shelters, each with its own colourful past. When we receive the horse it is not used for riding at all for the first month, neither does it undergo any training. This gives the horse ample time to adapt to its new environment at its leasure, and we have time to get to know the character of the horse. After this, one of the instructors starts with the horse’s basic training. This requires a lot of patience and love. The horse also is introduced to as many as possible strange and interesting situations and circumstances so as to prepare it as far as possible for anything it may come across. The instructors walk with the horses on a leash. We make noises around them and we play with balls, plastic bags and even umbrellas around and on them. By the time the riders get on their backs, the horses are used to everything.”

As far as fitting is concerned, Jannes says even under normal circumstances it always is a unique bond that is formed between rider and horse. “We try to foster this connection and where humanly possible to maintain it on a long-term basis. The trainers also develop a bond with the children and their respective horses, and in this way a relationship of trust evolves. The rider-and-horse combination also takes time to obtain the perfect fit. At the start of the process it sometimes happens that the combination has to be changed several times until the perfect fit is achieved. A wonderful thing is that a horse can sense the heartbeat of its rider at a distance of up to 4 metres. This is why the therapy is so unbelievably successful. From the moment the child gets on the horse’s back, we can see what the mental state of the child is. The horse absolutely is a mirror image of its rider. Many riders have told us that a horse understands everything but does not talk, so the trust between the two of them is beyond description.

“Sometimes there are circumstances beyond the control of anyone that require riders and horses as well as instructors to be switched,” Jannes explains. “Unfortunately this is a reality of life. This switching also is an indirect learning process for the child. In this way they learn that change sometimes does occur, but that they then have the necessary tools to deal with it effectively.”

The instructors also have an important role to play. Jannes says: “All our instructors are riders themselves. They follow a short online course and obtain a certificate in child or young adult psychology and they also have Level 2 first-aid knowledge for emergensies. Our instructors for the children vary in age from 16 to 21 years. Experience has taught us that a child finds it easier to relate to a younger person than to an old man such as myself who may appear too strict. Equitherapy is different from ordinary therapy. Initially, the child does not even realise it is therapy. It is presented like an ordinary riding lesson. No pressure to talk is exerted on the child, but in due course they sometimes do feel at ease to such an extent that they share their pains and fears with the instructor. Following these frank conversations we will talk to the parents. Where necessary, we may then decide if further professional assistance is required.”

There are no generic objectives or criteria the children are measured against. “Every child is unique. Everyone’s situation is different. All focus points are achieved in due course. Following the initital discussion with the parents, we explain to them exactly what we are going to do. Our overall objectives are to develop responsibility, to instill respect for humans and animals and to foster self-confidence. Many of the children find it difficult to function in a ‘normal’ environment – their ‘normal’ differs widely from our ‘normal’, and we provide them with the tools to fit in. They themselves are responsible for all equipment before, during and after the lessons. They learn that the horse, just like them, also has feelings and also can feel hurt. For this reason we should treat the horses and other people with respect. The horse weighs 400 to 600 kg and allows us to be on its back and even does what we require it to do. The children blossom when they cross a pole for the first time, not to mention when they win their first rosette. It gives them confidence to go to school and boast with what they have achieved.”

Jannes continues: “We also strive to enhance general awareness at a direct and an indirect level. In this way the children learn to observe obvious things, but also to be attuned to ‘hidden’ reactions of people and animals. It isn’t simply a matter of getting on the horse and riding off. The rider should be 150% aware of his environment and what is happening around him. Focus is extremely important, and even if you as a parent think your child cannot focus at all, just put him on a horse and see what happens. A horse will promptly show it if it feels uncomfortable in a situation, and we teach the children to watch out for those signs.”

A combination of all the above factors form the foundation of every lesson. Some of the desired outcomes are achieved quickly, others take more time – there is no time limit. The ease with which things happen – this is what makes the process so enjoyable. In an indirect way the picture becomes a whole. Once the union is formed and the bond between horse and rider falls in place, the circle is completed.

“This also is the reason why there is no definite rule regarding termination of the therapy. Usually we only suggest that the sessions be continued for at least a year, and the parents and/or the child then may decide to continue or to cease the process. In 90% of cases there is no finishing line, and some children may even begin riding competitively.”

Rustic Roads Equestrian Centre surely must have experienced many success stories so far? “One example, of course, will be the main reason why I find myself in an equestrian environment. When our daughter was three years old our house burnt down one evening. We were forced to use temporary accommodation for some time. We tried to keep everything normal as far as possible, but of course it exacted a toll on her. Her physical and emotional development started deteriorating. We did some research on various forms of therapy and incidentally learned about horse-riding. With nothing to lose, we decided to give it a go. Trying to get a protesting, emotional child on a horse’s back is an art on its own. But when her bottom touched the saddle, it was as if everything just fell into place. There was an immediate sensation of peace, calm and absolute childlike joy. That first horse of hers was an elderly lady, advanced in years. But she was able to share world stories with my child that nobody would ever understand. It was a decision I have never doubted ever since. Such a spiritual bond sometimes is exactly what one needs in life.

“One of our present riders is a little boy of 16 months who is in foster care. Even within the first month his foster parents could observe a distinct difference in his physical and mental development. His ‘four-legged therapist’ obviously is sensing this and his visits are the highlight of her week.

“Another mom told us her 8-year-old daughter faced the school day with more confidence on the Monday following her first session.”

Why should you as parent consider Equitherapy for your child? Jannes emphasises: “There are so many riders who started riding as a result of a physical or emotional trauma. And we have seen time and again that there is something to the soul of a horse that is good for the soul of a human being.”

Additional information

Each horse has its own gear. All basic equipment and basic equestrian clothing (hat and protective cloting) are provided. The rider is only required to wear comfortable slacks, a shirt with sleeves and shoes with some heel. As the riders advance in the sport or even start riding competitively, we assist the parents in acquiring the necessary equipment in a more affordable way.

Costs per session of 20 to 30 minutes are R155 (averaging R620 per month for four sessions).

Rustic Roads Equistrian Centre is a family-oriented riding school, and for the duration of the lesson parents are welcome to wait under the trees at the club house, where refreshments are available. Many of the parents find comfort in the company of other parents. No parents are allowed in the arena during a session.

Weekend camps are held regularly.

An open day is scheduled for 7 May 2022.

Contact details

Jannes von Backstrom

Rustic Roads Equestrian Centre

Situated on a smallholding in Boschkop, Pretoria East

(Only 500 m gravel road)

Tel: 071 492 1443

Email: rrecdesk@gmail.com