FCA Partners With UAE Equestrian Federation To Offer Equine-Assisted Therapy In Abu Dhabi

The Family Care Authority (FCA) has recently embarked on a notable collaboration with the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, a move that significantly broadens the scope of FCA's services into the equestrian domain. This partnership is set to enrich FCA's offerings by incorporating equine-assisted therapy into its mental health and trauma recovery services, leveraging the therapeutic potential of horses.

Under this Memorandum of Understanding, the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation will extend comprehensive support to FCA, encompassing the provision of horses, venues, training, and specialized expertise in equine-assisted therapy. This initiative not only marks a significant expansion in FCA's service range but also underscores a shared commitment to enhancing community well-being through innovative therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Bushra Al Mulla, Director-General of FCA, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting it as a pivotal addition to FCA's diverse service portfolio. "This partnership with the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation is an important addition to FCA's diverse variety of services. The MoU is not just about the immediate benefits; it marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to bringing innovative, effective therapies to our community," she stated.

Major Gen. Dr. Ahmed Naser Al Raisi, President of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the federation's dedication to contributing positively to the mental health of individuals in need. "We are honoured to provide FCA with the necessary resources to bring equine-assisted therapy to those who need it. We believe that the well-being of our community is a collective responsibility," he remarked.

Adding an expert perspective, Professor Dr. Andreas Liefooghe, a leading figure in equine-assisted therapy, shed light on the profound impact this form of therapy can have on mental health and well-being. "Horses have a unique ability to connect with individuals on a profound level, fostering emotional growth and self-awareness," he noted. His involvement in upcoming workshops and training days for FCA underscores the depth of expertise being leveraged in this initiative.

This partnership represents a forward-thinking approach to mental health support, integrating the therapeutic benefits of equine interaction into FCA's comprehensive service offerings. With plans for ongoing initiatives under this collaboration, FCA and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation are set on a path to make significant strides in promoting mental health and well-being through equine-assisted therapy.

With inputs from WAM