Horse-based therapy centre being proposed in Gozo

An equestrian therapy centre is being proposed in the pristine Wied Tal-Furnar set between the Gozitan locality of Xaghra and Ramla l-Hamra.

The development includes, a kitchenette, a store and 24 stables spread over an area of 5,100 square meters of land. It also includes paddocks made of beaten earth and compacted soil and a classroom.

The development is being proposed by Victor Muscat who presently runs a horse drawn carriage service for weddings and hosts educational and group visits in his 'Dreams of Horses' farm, found in the location of the proposed application.

Muscat explained that the aim of the application is to offer therapy programmes by experts to people suffering from traumas, drug addicts and even victims of child abuse.

He also justified the ODZ location claiming that a secluded and tranquil environment is a perquisite for the therapy to work.

"I am very environmentally conscious, and before I embarked on this project the place was a dump."

Muscat claims that he has been working on this idea for 15 years and that his major problem was always that of finding a place.

"It is necessary to have a large number of horses because one has to match the character of the horse with that of the patient."

Asked whether this was simply a business venture, Muscat insisted he would not have dedicated all the time and work to the project if his aim was to make money.

He also explains that horses have to be trained to provide this kind of therapy, and the treatment is not suitable for all horses.

Muscat's Dream of Horses farm already provides "assisted activities to people with physical, social and emotional difficulties," according to Muscat's website.

"Our mission is to inspire people to advance to their highest potential by incorporating horses into therapeutic and learning programs."

MaltaToday is informed that Inspire is sending clients to the site so that they may spend time with the animals.

Equine therapy

Equine therapy, also known as Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT), is a treatment that includes horse related activities in order to promote physical, occupational, and emotional growth in persons suffering from ADD, anxiety, autism, cerebral palsy, dementia, depression and down syndrome.

Some medical professionals recognise that there are significant therapeutic benefits for the rider. The warmth and three-dimensional movement of the horse is transmitted through the rider's body, gradually making it more relaxed and supple, strengthening core stability, reducing spasms and improving balance, posture and co-ordination. Other professionals argue that its benefits have not been proven.

According to its proponents, Equine Therapy can help the individual build confidence, self-sufficiency, communication, trust, perspective, social skills, impulse control, and learn boundaries. Since the horses have similar behaviors with humans, such as social and responsive behaviors, it is easy for the patients to form a connection with the horse.

Environmental constraints

The existing policy bans the erection of any new structures in ODZ areas for horse riding establishments, but allows the conversion of old buildings.

But no such exclusion is made in the new ODZ policy draft presented in November, which applies to both stables and horse riding establishments.

In the past, the development of stables in ODZ resulted in numerous planning abuses with some stables miraculously transformed in to residences.

According to the new draft policy, new stables and horse riding establishments can be permitted in ODZ areas as long as these are constructed in natural timber.

Presently, new stables are not allowed on any protected area irrespective of the level of protection but the new policy only excludes stables in those areas enjoying the highest degree of protection.