Therapeutic Equitation: How riding horses can help

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The first photographs of Jaycee Dugard emerged today in the new issue of People Magazine. Dugard was kidnapped in 1991 at the age of 11 and then allegedly held captive for 18 years in a backyard compound. Her captors, Philip and Nancy Garrido were arrested in August and have been charged with a combined 29 felony counts in the kidnapping and rape of Dugard. Both Garridos pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Dugard has two daughters, now 11 and 15, who police say were fathered by her captor Phillip Garrido. The three now live with Dugard’s mother and are making the transition from being held captive for so long. According to the article, Dugard is receiving counseling, cooking and riding horses.

Therapeutic equitation is one form of therapy used to help cope with post-traumatic stress disorder and emotional abuse.

Go here to learn more about the therapy and how one organization puts it into practice. And find testimonials from people who have been affected by therapeutic equitation.