Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University

Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Hippotherapy Application and Research Centre organised a special event for the elderly from Abidin Yılmaz Nursing Home Elderly Care and Rehabilitation Centre in Çubuk district within the scope of the Elderly Week celebrated every year. This event was held with the participation of students from AYBÜ Vocational School of Health Services, Elderly Care and Equine Coaching Programme.
The event was supported by activities on equestrian therapy, which aims to support the physical and mental health of the elderly. Equestrian therapy is an effective treatment method that can provide many benefits such as reducing stress, increasing muscle strength, improving balance, especially for elderly individuals. This activity enabled the elderly participants to interact with horses, learn about horses and have a pleasant time. Hippotherapy Centre Director Lecturer Ali Ekber Un and Lecturer. Lecturer. Burcu ÇALIK BAĞRIYANIK, students informed the elderly about horse habitats and showed how horses are cared for. In addition, horse grooming materials were introduced and practical information about horse care was shared. The elderly participants, accompanied by the students, walked the horses and experienced horse riding. During these activities, they were both physically active and mentally relaxed thanks to their interaction with horses.
While the event provided an unforgettable experience in the lives of the elderly, it also offered students the opportunity to gain practical experience related to their professions. At the same time, by emphasising the respect and value of the elderly, the importance of elderly individuals in society was underlined. Such activities enabled individuals from all segments of society to come together, support each other and have a pleasant time together.