Some children will never say their first words. Others may never ask for help or explain their emotions. But communication is more than words; sometimes, it is the quietest moments that speak the loudest.

For individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD), the world can feel overwhelming. Many experience involuntary movements, self-stimulatory behaviors, or sudden agitation, not as defiance, but as expressions of distress; attempts to communicate when traditional language fails them.

Equine therapy offers a different kind of language, one that does not rely on words but on rhythm, movement, presence, and connection. Horses do not judge, do not expect, and respond only to what is. Their steady, repetitive gait mimics the human walk, engaging muscles, stimulating the nervous system, and providing a grounding experience that helps regulate emotions and behavior.

But beyond the physical benefits, horses act as mirrors, absorbing tension, sensing unspoken emotions, and offering a silent but powerful connection. For many individuals with PIMD, this is the only place where they feel truly at ease, free from overstimulation, free from expectations: where they can simply be.

At ITOT Foundation, founded by international showjumper Edwina Tops-Alexander and special needs advocate Caroline Huisman-Ruijg, we are working to make equine therapy more accessible and widely recognized. To raise awareness, we’ve launched Healing Through Horses, a documentary series amplifying the voices of families who have witnessed its impact firsthand.

In the first episode, we meet Evi and her son, Lennart. Lennart, who has PIMD, is non-verbal. For him, equine therapy is not just about riding—it is where he finds calm, focus, and connection. Through Evi’s words, we see how the rhythmic movement of the horse allows him to return to himself, revealing moments of joy and clarity that might otherwise remain unseen.

This is just the beginning. Each month, we will feature a new rider and their family, sharing how equine therapy transforms their lives. Stay tuned as we continue to explore the power of these unspoken connections.

Despite its profound impact, equine therapy remains understudied and underfunded. We need scientists, researchers, medical professionals, and disability advocates to help build the case for greater access and support.

If you are involved in neuroscience, rehabilitation, disability studies, or therapy innovation, we invite you to collaborate with us in advancing research and expanding awareness.

Contact us at caroline@itotfoundation.com to join the conversation.

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Watch the first episode of Healing Through Horses and follow the series at www.itotfoundation.com

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