It is well documented that doing exercise, practising yoga and doing meditation can help reduce street and anxiety
. However getting a new best friend in the shape of an animal can be extremely beneficial for our moods. Research shows that, unless you're someone who really does not like animals or is too busy to care for pets they can provide excellent support, anxiety and stress relief and many other health benefits including lowering blood pressure.
Horses are extremely lovable affectionate animals and even though they take several hours a week to look after - they can be a persons best friend. 86% of horse owners own a dog, this which would suggest that any person involved in the equestrian world must be seriously stress free!
Pet therapy seems to be tremendously effective with people suffering from cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's. Most people with Alzheimer's experience periods of agitation, especially in the evening hours, this commonly referred to as 'sundowning'. Sundowning can be stressful for both the dementia sufferer and also the caregiver and studies have shown a pet in this instance can help decrease anxiety and increase feelings of calm. It has been reported that some Alzheimer's patients have been able to stop taking anti-anxiety medication when they gained regular contact with a pet.
Pets and animals can help everyone regardless of age, gender or illness. The unconditional love of a pet can help ward off all the unwanted stress of everyday life and as a horse owner and dog lover myself I would definitely agree that I am more relaxed with my pets than without them.
However, a horse is not a regular pet and needs a serious amount of attention and care. However there are several riding centres across the world that you can visit and begin riding. Some of these centres also have disabled riding schools, great for patient and carer.