Horse-assisted therapy is proving to have remarkable effects on the well-being of vulnerable people. In France, one horse in particular is becoming a symbol of this extraordinary bond between humans and animals: Peyo, a horse capable of bringing comfort and peace of mind to elderly patients and those with Alzheimer’s disease.

Her story shows how horses can play an important therapeutic role, going beyond sport and horse riding.

La storia di Peyo e del suo cavaliere

It all began when Hassen Bouchakour, an artist and performer, met Peyo. Bouchakour had been performing as a dancer, gymnast and falconer, and had decided to incorporate horses into his artistic performances.

Dopo mesi di tentativi di addestramento, però, i risultati non erano quelli sperati. Peyo non sembrava interessato alla scena.

Ma proprio in quel periodo emerse una caratteristica sorprendente del cavallo: una sensibilità straordinaria verso le persone più fragili.

Peyo sembrava percepire chi aveva bisogno di attenzione, avvicinandosi spontaneamente a persone con disabilità o malattie invisibili.

From the show to pet therapy with horses

Realising the potential of this approach, Bouchakour completely changed tack.

Instead of taking Peyo on tour, he began taking him to hospitals and care homes. Together, they visited sick children and patients in care homes.

This experience led to the founding of the association Les Sabots du Cœur (“The Hooves of the Heart”), which today runs equine-assisted therapy programmes in various healthcare facilities across France.

I risultati non hanno tardato ad arrivare.

Secondo il personale sanitario:

‘We saw a person who hadn’t walked for two years get up and walk over to the horse. Another patient who had stopped speaking began recounting his memories in great detail.’

The benefits of horses for people with Alzheimer’s disease

One of the most striking effects is observed in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

During a controlled trial at the Vinay care home, doctors and healthcare staff monitored the interaction between Peyo and the patients.

The results have been encouraging:

• many patients start speaking spontaneously
• some people rediscover memories they thought were lost
• others simply find their smile again

The presence of the horse creates a moment of calm and emotional connection that stimulates memory and communication.

The role of horses in animal-assisted therapy

È noto da tempo che i cavalli possono aiutare i bambini con autismo grazie all’interazione e al contatto con l’animale.

Peyo’s experience shows that equine-assisted therapy can also be effective for older people, particularly those suffering from neurodegenerative diseases.

Interaction with horses, the rhythm of their breathing and their calming presence help to reduce anxiety, isolation and stress.

Peyo, the horse that moves the world

Today, Peyo is famous all over France.

Not for winning competitions or performing on stage, but for her ability to bring peace, emotion and hope to those going through difficult times.

Una storia che ricorda a tutti gli appassionati di equitazione quanto i cavalli possano essere non solo compagni di sport, ma anche straordinari alleati per il benessere umano.