top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Tours hospital uses horses as therapy for children

Children with learning difficulties in Tours are getting the chance to work with horses as part of their treatment and therapy.

Young people with developmental issues - some of which are as young as five - have been working with smaller-sized horses that are specially trained to help the children communicate better and become less anxious or stressed, as part of the initiative at the paediatric psychiatry unit at the CHRU in Tours, reports French newspaper Le Monde.

Horse trainers supervise the growing connections between the horses and children, the latter of which get to touch the horses, play with and brush their manes, and even mount them and ride them if appropriate.

Working with the horses is said to help improve neuro-developmental links in the children’s brains, and in doing so, boost their social interaction, coordination, communication issues, and behavioural problems.

The CHRU selects three children per year who would benefit most from the “equitherapy” scheme - usually those who struggle the most with behaviour and communication from an early age - and is able to follow the children’s interaction with the animals.

“We choose children who are in their first year of school, for whom communication and behaviour are starting to cause problems,” says Joëlle Malvy, paediatric psychiatrist at the hospital.

Speaking about one boy with autistic tendencies, doctor Patrice Delavous explains: “In just three sessions, his progression has been spectacular. Before, he couldn’t stand waiting around [but now he is calm].”

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France