Fundación Telefónica

Volunteering Experiences Spain

This groundbreaking therapy is greatly benefiting the health of children and young people suffering from conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system

Madrid, 17 May 2012.- Over ten Telefónica volunteers, coordinated by Fundación Telefónica, introduced a group of disabled children and young people to the benefits of equine therapy, at the “La Ricarda” estate, in Prat de Llobregat, with support from the association Disprat LLeur.

The volunteers accompanied and assisted the children throughout the duration of the activity. Two volunteers and one therapist specialised in equine therapy accompanied each child and horse. The activities were carried out under the supervision of coordinators from the association, as well as Telefónica Volunteer representatives. The contact with nature, in a unique setting – the delta of the Llobregat river – contributed to the development of this educational, recreational and therapeutic activity, which concluded with carriage rides around the estate, and a picnic.

The benefits of equine therapy for children with disabilities

The aim of equine therapy is to utilise the horse’s movements to transmit acute neuromuscular stimuli to young people suffering from physical disabilities, helping them to improve their muscle tone and sense of balance. Also, by helping to keep them clean and well fed, the youngsters establish an emotional connection and a feeling of responsibility towards the horses. Through these activities, children with physical and mental disabilities beginto obtain the level of personal and social skills required to reach the degree of social integration that will help them to cope in today’s society.

Another objective of the activity is to give parents and relatives a “break”, so that they can devote that free time to address other issues in their lives, or enjoy the leisure time activities they are not able to do whilst taking care of their children.