我的小馬醫生——臺灣馬匹輔助介入

Abstract

近年來，隨著各類研究證實動物的療癒力量，越來越多的療癒動物納入人類健康照護、教育情境中。相較於治療犬、貓醫生。體積龐大的馬匹在療癒動物的行列裡，顯得格外特別。 馬匹輔助是動物輔助介入中，重要且獨特的分支。20世紀60年代，歐美國家注意到馬術運動為身心障礙者帶來的助益，開始推廣馬匹輔助活動與治療。世界各地，紛紛建立為身心障礙者提供服務的馬場，相關組織、協會不斷湧現。臺灣於1998年成立中華民國傷健策騎協會，正式開啟臺灣馬匹輔助活動與治療的篇章。 本影像深度報導主要受訪者李枋容，因染色體異常，身患多重障礙，包括聽覺功能障礙、智力功能障礙、口語理解功能障礙、關節移動功能障礙（上肢）、染色體異常，以及自閉症。枋容從兩歲半開始接觸馬匹輔助活動與治療，持續至今已有十二年。在此期間，枋容掌握了獨立騎乘的能力，完成從馬術治療到治療性騎乘的跨越。馬術之於枋容，逐漸從輔助治療方式轉變為運動。 此外，為了走進枋容的內心世界，枋容父母還帶領枋容嘗試了馬匹輔助心理治療、馬匹輔助教育。 本報導藉由枋容與馬兒的故事，呈現馬匹輔助活動與治療的多種形式。通過馬兒帶給枋容身體、語言、認知、社交方面的改變，進一步探討馬匹輔助活動與治療的意義與價值。 臺灣馬匹輔助活動與治療凝聚了許多人的堅持與心血。然而，針對馬匹輔助活動與治療，臺灣尚未出現統一的法規與標準，以致阻礙發展。本報導試圖拼湊了臺灣目前馬匹輔助介入的現況，挖掘其發展進程緩慢的原因。同時，希望藉由本報導，引發社會各界對身心障礙族群社會資源、社會環境的思考。

In recent years, as various studies have substantiated the curative potency of animals, an ever-increasing number of therapeutic creatures have been integrated into the realms of human healthcare and educational contexts. Among them, horses, with their imposing size, hold a particularly special place in the realm of animal-assisted interventions, compared to therapy dogs or cats. Equine-assisted interventions (EAI) represent a significant and distinctive branch within the broader scope of animal-assisted interventions. During the 1960s, nations in Europe and America took notice of the benefits that equestrian activities bestowed upon individuals with physical and mental disabilities. This realization prompted the promotion and dissemination of equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT). Across the globe, equestrian centers dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities emerged, accompanied by the proliferation of related organizations and associations. In 1998, Taiwan established the Riding for the Disabled Association of the Republic of China, officially embarking on a new chapter in equine-assisted activities and therapies within Taiwan. This in-depth report primarily focuses on the interviewee, Li Fangrong, who faces multiple challenges due to chromosomal abnormalities. These encompass auditory impairments, cognitive disabilities, difficulties in speech comprehension, upper limb joint mobility limitations, chromosomal abnormalities, as well as autism spectrum disorder. Fangrong's involvement with equine-assisted activities and therapies commenced at the age of two and a half, has continued for a remarkable twelve years. During this period, Fangrong has acquired the remarkable ability to ride independently, traversing the transition from hippotherapy to therapeutic riding. For Fangrong, equestrian activities have gradually shifted from being an auxiliary treatment method to a form of physical exercise. Moreover, in their quest to delve into Fangrong's inner world, Fangrong's parents have introduced them to the realms of equine-facilitated psychotherapy and equine-assisted learning. This report showcases the various forms of equine-assisted activities and therapies through the story of Fangrong and the horses. By exploring the physical, linguistic, cognitive, and social changes that the horses have brought to Fangrong, we delve deeper into the significance and value of equine-assisted activities and therapies. The development of equine-assisted activities and therapies in Taiwan has been the result of the perseverance and dedication of many individuals. However, the absence of unified regulations and standards in this field has hindered its progress. This report attempts to piece together the current status of equine-assisted interventions in Taiwan and uncover the reasons behind its slow development. Simultaneously, we hope that this report will prompt society to reflect upon the social resources and environment for individuals with disabilities.