Kaohsiung Launches Therapeutic Equestrian Summer Camp to Promote Animal Equality and Healing Power

The Kaohsiung City Animal Protection Office, in partnership with the Bagualiao Cultural and Educational Foundation, held the 'Miracle on Horseback – Healing Equestrian Therapy and Animal Protection Summer Camp' on the 18th. The camp integrates life education, animal equality, and equestrian therapy, allowing children to interact with horses and understand the healing power of animal companionship, while deepening their respect for life and fostering kindness toward animals.

The Animal Protection Office stated that this summer, they specially collaborated with the Bagualiao Cultural and Educational Foundation, which has long promoted equestrian therapy, to co-create a summer camp with both educational and therapeutic value. The goal is to transcend traditional perceptions of equestrian activities by enabling children to engage directly with large animals, guiding them to build respectful, equal, and trusting relationships, thus embodying the spirit of life education.

The Bagualiao Cultural and Educational Foundation has been dedicated to equestrian therapy for 23 years, consistently supporting children with developmental delays, individuals with physical or mental disabilities, and those in need of psychological support. The foundation highlights that horses, through their rhythmic movement, body heat, and interactive companionship, not only aid physical rehabilitation but also provide psychological support, making them vital partners in animal-assisted therapy.

This event prioritized school-aged children with developmental delays, physical disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism. Under the guidance of physical therapists, children progressed from observing horses and grooming their coats to interactive companionship, gradually building mutual trust and experiencing the unique value of healing equestrian therapy.

Yao Ji-wang, Director of the Kaohsiung City Agriculture Bureau, noted that equestrian therapy has been well-established internationally and widely applied in rehabilitation and psychological support fields, yet remains relatively unfamiliar to the public in Taiwan. He hopes this event will promote the concept of animal-assisted therapy, helping more families and caregivers understand the scientific basis and practical effectiveness of equestrian therapy, thereby offering greater support and hope to families with special needs.

The Animal Protection Office emphasized that this summer camp is not merely a seasonal activity but a significant practice of public-private collaboration in advancing life education. Going forward, they will continue promoting animal-assisted education, with plans to launch another program during summer vacation: the 'One-Day Equine Veterinarian Horses Inside Out Experience.' This interactive course will integrate equine medical education and veterinary behavioral expertise, guiding children to understand horse anatomy, emotional expression, and proper care methods, further deepening life education and animal-friendly values. Related event information will be announced progressively on the official Facebook page of the Kaohsiung City Animal Protection Office.