Equine Therapy for Seniors: Bringing Joy and Comfort Through Horses

The Magic of Horses and Seniors’ Wellbeing

Horses are magical creatures that bring joy, peace, and connection to those fortunate enough to spend time with them. Beth Bigham, president of ComForCare South Indy / Franklin and 2023 Franchisee of the Year, has combined her lifelong love for horses with her dedication to senior care. Through equine visits, Beth and her team are creating better days for seniors, fostering emotional connections and bringing smiles to their faces.

The Power of Horses in Senior Care

Horses offer numerous benefits for older adults, enhancing emotional and psychological well-being. Research shows that time spent with horses can help to:

• Alleviate depression, stress, and anxiety
• Reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation
• Foster a sense of belonging and community
• Keep the mind active, potentially slowing cognitive decline

Beth explains, “It gives seniors something to look forward to. Horses can calm you down; their heart rate will lower your heart rate. Spending time in their presence is incredibly relaxing and grounding.”

Beth’s Journey: A Lifelong Love of Horses

Beth’s connection to horses began in her youth, enjoying riding, jumping, and dressage. Her most recent horse, a Tennessee Walker named Fabio, was a beloved companion she later entrusted to a local horse farm. Since then, she found Serena, a gentle and charming Haflinger, whose size and calm demeanor make her a great addition to Beth’s equine program in the local community.

A Partnership Built on Shared Vision

When Beth met Tonda Burgin, owner of Life Vantage Farms and McQualla Carriages, they realized they shared a vision of using horses to bring joy to seniors. Tonda’s experience spans 50 years, and her miniatures and gentle draft horses have brought comfort to hospice clients and seniors. With caregiving in her own family history, Tonda brings both expertise and passion to the partnership.

“We want to bring joy to seniors because many get so little joy,” says Beth. “That is our focus, and that’s why we work so well together.”

Creating Magical Experiences: Events and Visits

In mid-September, Beth and Tonda organized a special event with a Cinderella carriage and Tonda’s Rocky Mountain draft horse, Hoss. Seniors and caregivers alike enjoyed the festive day, with red ropes and a royal atmosphere making each guest feel special. For many, the opportunity to interact with horses, especially gentle Merlin, was unforgettable.

One senior shared, “This is my best day ever!”—a testament to the impact of these visits.

Another heartwarming moment came when Tonda reunited with a former farrier, a gentleman she’d known since she was 12. With little Merlin in the center of their embrace, it was a tearful, joyful encounter.

Looking Forward: Expanding the Reach of Equine Therapy

Beth and Tonda have big plans to grow this program, including more frequent visits and expanding to reach seniors who are homebound. Beth notes, “Our office initially planned a few visits each month, but we’re already seeing an increase in demand. I call the horses my other marketers—they bring us joy and help seniors feel cherished.”

Bring the Magic of Horses to Your Loved Ones

If you’re interested in experiencing the joy that equine therapy can bring, reach out to learn more about how we can create a memorable experience for your loved one.
You can see more photos of this program impacting the South Indy community on their

Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ComForcareHomeCareSouthIndy

If you would like to learn more about this program and the pricing packages available, contact us today!

Whether your loved one needs assistance only a few hours a week or around-the-clock, our team is happy to help! Call (317) 664-5136 to learn more about the transition care services offered through ComForCare Home Care (South Indy).