Since ancient Greek times, the therapeutic advantages of engaging with horses have been recognised. Today, this practice is increasingly adopted as a supplementary form of therapy, its effectiveness and benefits well documented across various profiles, particularly in the realms of physical rehabilitation, social integration, and enhancements in quality of life and overall health, both physical and mental.
The Altoanna Equestrian Club, managed by Alfonso Mestres and located on the El Coronado mountain in El Rosario, has been providing this form of equestrian therapy for approximately 15 years, catering to both adults and children. A dedicated team of professionals conducts these sessions, primarily through their mare named India, who has been specifically trained for this purpose.
Therapeutic riding is beneficial for a wide array of individuals, including those with physical or intellectual disabilities, brain injuries, neurodegenerative conditions, trauma, as well as mental health issues or children facing psychological or behavioural challenges.
“India is the most intelligent horse there is, and she possesses a remarkable sensitivity. She has been involved in this work for many years,” explains Elena Díaz, the psychologist overseeing this programme at the club. She emphasises the mare’s perceptual abilities and her capacity to adapt to various situations. “Generally, the sessions proceed smoothly, but occasionally, circumstances can become challenging. In those instances, having India on hand is a true blessing, as she instinctively senses it and halts if necessary,” she adds.
While India primarily conducts the majority of the therapeutic sessions, the team also has another horse for users who require more independence, alongside a third which they are gradually training, as noted by Díaz.
Benefits
The benefits observed over time are multifaceted and span various dimensions. “They gain advantages at every level—socially, physically, and especially mentally… They engage in extensive cognitive stimulation through games, and at a social level, they interact significantly with both their peers and the horse. Physically, India’s rhythmic trotting greatly aids in enhancing balance, muscle tone, and postural control, which can be particularly challenging for some individuals. The impact is remarkable across all levels.” This is affirmed by Irene Hernández, an occupational therapist at Hermanas Hospitalarias Acamán, which supports individuals with functional diversity and acquired brain injuries. She oversees two groups of five adults each (aged between 21 and 65) who have been participating in this therapy for nearly two years, attending every Monday on an alternating basis.
“Both long-term and short-term benefits are apparent,” she continues. “They arrive at the centre in a joyous mood, albeit a bit agitated, but upon return, they are incredibly relaxed. The transformation is unmistakable. I can’t quite explain what it is about India and horses emotionally, but they have a calming effect on them.” The affection and bond between the children and the mare are evident from the very first moment.
In a similar vein, Jonay Felipe, a social integrator at Hermanas Hospitalarias Acamán, points out that “the connection between the children and India is astonishing.” “Most of them arrive with considerable anxiety and require ample activity; thus, participating in this programme is invaluable for them. Subsequently, when they return to the centre, they are more engaged, eat better, and exhibit a sense of calm. In essence, their anxiety significantly decreases,” he remarks. According to the psychologist from the Altoanna Equestrian Club, the main objective during these sessions is for participants to come and have fun, from which point they can begin to work with the mare. “We start by greeting and grooming India, then they wear their required protective gear, mount the horse, organise some games, enjoy a walk, sing at the end, or trot… and finally, we dismount, where they can treat her to an apple or a carrot to conclude the session,” she explains.
This approach promotes flexibility in their routines, which can often be very rigid, as well as cognitive stimulation, including areas such as communication, attention, balance, and other individual needs, as Elena Díaz observes. The progress and enhancements experienced by the users often extend to other areas of their daily lives.
Currently, over 50 individuals of differing ages and diverse backgrounds engage in this therapeutic riding programme at the club, which is tailored to accommodate each person’s unique circumstances and requirements.
Charity Golf Tournament
Additionally, the Altoanna Equestrian Club collaborates with the Tenerife Association of Equestrian Therapies, responsible for raising the funds needed to support this programme for a different association every two years (with the current beneficiary being Hermanas Hospitalarias Acamán). They host a charity golf tournament, with the latest edition taking place on March 21 at the El Peñón Golf Club in Tacoronte.
This event is made possible through the generosity of sponsors, including Fundación Satocan, Hierros Tirso, Acción Social Caixa, Turismo de Tenerife, Fundación DISA, Golf el Peñón, Canplástica, Ortopedia Castello, CEOE Tenerife, Óptica Orotava, Isla Del Valle, Torre El Mirador, Indemyio, Golf Las Américas, Gabinete Avanza, José Cabrera SL., Clínica Dental el Cedro, Novarq, Padrón Ortodoncia, Kn Real Estate, Gurea Restaurant, Dofo, and Biban.
In addition to this equestrian therapy programme, the Altoanna Equestrian Club offers riding lessons for children along with other services and activities.
