The therapeutic benefits of riding horses were first noted in ancient Greek writings. But in recent decades, it's been used to help those with disabilities. CGTN's Alasdair Baverstock visited a program in Mexico that's focused on aiding children.

Kathy Lopez from Mexico City is severely autistic. She isn't accepted at state primary schools, has difficulty talking and even controlling her movements. But once a week for the past two months, those problems fade into the background, when she attends her regular therapy sessions. And her therapists Retired police horses. Her mother says the changes are noticeable, and she has high hopes for the future.

ANA BERTHA LOPEZ KATHY'S MOTHER "Even though it hasn't been long, she's more tolerant and calm. I've spoken to other mothers who have been bringing their children for around two years, and they say the changes are enormous. And that gives me great hope that she can improve too."

ALASDAIR BAVERSTOCK ECATEPEC, MEXICO "This is a horse therapy center in Ecatepec, one of the most violent neighborhoods of Mexico City. It's here where these four former police horses now spend their retirement helping special needs children develop their coordination and social skills."

It's run by Salvador Ramirez, a member of the local police.

SALVADOR RAMIREZ ECATEPEC POLICE "The horses have spent long careers in the police force and we choose them on the basis of their personality. Only the most noble and calm of horses can be used in the function of equitherapy."

Aleli Mendez is a child psychologist at the center and says in addition to the physical training, equitherapy provides mental benefits as well.

ALELI MENDEZ EQUITHERAPIST "When it comes to autism, the horse helps to improve confidence. Horses are large animals, and when a child sees it can control them that helps enormously, and that has a knock-on effect with their motivation. It also helps with social skills, because the horse is one of the most loyal animals that we know of."

Dr. Yedid Maldonado is a child psychiatrist, and agrees that equine therapy can be effective, if used in conjunction with more traditional interventions.  

DR. YEDID MALDONADO CHILD PSYCHIATRIST "The personality of the horse can be a great help when it comes to emotional support, sensorial engagement and social skills. This type of therapy can certainly be helpful, but it shouldn't be seen as a cure-all solution."

This center now serves more than 100 patients with many of its four-legged therapists leaving lasting, even transformational impressions on those they serve. Alasdair Baverstock, CGTN, Ecatepec, Mexico.