Facilitation: Therapeutic use of Animals

Activity Title: Beta Fish Therapy

Source: Neely, R. (2002, February 25). Beta Fish Therapy. Retrieved November 11, 2016, from
http://www.recreationtherapy.com/tx/animalassisted.htm
Equipment: Male Beta Fish; clear glass bowl or vase; colorful flat floral marbles; small artificial
aquarium plant; Stresscoat Water Conditioner; aquarium salt; Aquarisol drops(guards against
ick infection); small cart for transport of fish; Rubbermaid rubber shelf-lining to put on top of
cart for non-slip surface; small fish net.
Activity Description: Therapeutic use of animals can improve the participants mental, physical,
social and emotional well-being. Beta fish are also called "Siamese Fighting Fish"; for this reason
if you have more than one they MUST be kept in individual containers or they will fight and kill
each other, but they are very social with people and for this reason are perfect to use for
animal-assisted therapy. They see in color, which sometimes makes it possible to get their
attention with certain colorful objects. They are very inquisitive and constantly interested in
what is going on around them!
The facilitation of the activity is quite simple...once you have "Beta" in his new home just put
him on the cart and take off for room visitation. The participants can watch the fish swim and
even feed him if needed. Although the fish cannot be touched, observing him, his color and fins
moving in the water calms the participant, lowers blood pressure and reduces depression. This
activity can be performed as a 1:1 room visitation for 10-15 minutes to allow enough time to
visit other patients.
Leadership Consideration: The CTRS will have to learn to care for the Beta fish or have an
expert come by for visitations with a beta fish.
Adaptations for participants with vision impairments (not blind): For participants who have
trouble focusing on an object, watching a fish swim may be a little difficult to follow because of
its bushy fins. For these patients it may be necessary to bring the fish bowl closer to the patient
and use a magnifier with a light in order for the participant to appreciate the beauty of this
animal.
Adaptations for participants with intellectual disabilities: These participants may also be
impulsive, hyperactive and they may also have behavioral issues. In order for the participants
and the fish to be safe the CTRS may need to keep a safe distance between both and make sure
that the glass bowl is sitting on a safe and stable place.
Adaptation Reference

Visual Impairements. (2015, July). Retrieved November 11, 2016, from

http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/visualimpairment/
Definition on Intellectual Disability. (2013). Retrieved November 11, 2016, from
http://aaidd.org/intellectual-disability/definition#.WCfgqWorKM8

Facilitation: Therapeutic use of Horseback riding

Activity Title: Horseback riding
Source: Bream, J. A., & Splanger, W. Q., Jr. (n.d.). Therapeutic use of Horse Back Riding.
Retrieved November 11, 2016, from http://www.catra.net/info/overview.html
Equipment: A trained horse, safety belt, reins, bridle and a saddle
Activity Description: Horses are beautiful animals that provide physical , psychological and
social benefits for the participants. By riding a horse the participants can work on posture,
balance and strength. The movement of the horses hips along with the outdoor breeze may
also promote relaxation. For this activity the participant will simply enjoy a horse ride for 30
minutes

Leadership Consideration: Therapeutic riding instructor certification and for safety volunteers
or aids may also be present on each side of the horse.
Adaptations for participants with SCI: A saddle pad may be needed to prevent pressure sores
on the participant and the horse. The CTRS must need to make sure the participant is in a safe
position and that the horses gait and personality is the best fit for the patients needs.
Adaptations for participants with anxiety disorder: These participants benefit not just from
riding the horse but also taking care of the horse, washing it, brushing his hair, feeding him or
simply petting him. Horses can be such calm and interactive creatures that can bring calmness
and relaxation into the participants life.
Adaptation References:

Wylie, L. (2015, September 29). What I Learned as a Horseback Rider with an Anxiety Disorder.
Retrieved November 11, 2016, from http://www.horsenation.com/2014/09/29/what-i-learnedas-a-horseback-rider-with-an-anxiety-disorder/
T. (2013, December 16). How Its Done: Horseback Riding with a Spinal Cord Injury. Retrieved
November 11, 2016, from https://spinalpedia.com/blog/2013/12/done-horseback-ridingspinal-cord-injury/