Hypophobia (fear Of Horses): Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
The horse has been a symbol of nobility, strength and loyalty for centuries. Throughout history and until the invention and popularization of the automobile, these animals have accompanied man on almost all of his trips.
From ancient times until today, equines have been highly valued, admired and loved by the vast majority of people, even starring in the dreams of many boys and girls. But for some people, seeing or encountering a horse can be a source of great discomfort and panic. This is what happens with people who suffer from hypophobia an anxiety disorder related to this type of animals.
It is called hypophobia extreme and exaggerated fear or panic produced by the presence of horses This fear can appear in the presence of horses themselves or in the expectation that they will appear, although it can also appear (although generally to a lesser extent) in the presence of representations of these creatures.
It is a specific phobia referring to animals, which implies the existence for at least six months of an exaggerated and disproportionate fear or panic in relation to the possible danger that the stimulus in question could pose. The person who suffers from it usually tends to avoid, or endure contact with these creatures with a very high level of anxiety. Previously, it was considered that the person himself is usually aware that his reaction is exaggerated for the real danger it represents, but currently such recognition is not required to diagnose it.
The sight or mere idea of ​​the proximity of a horse can cause a person with hypophobia to experience anxiety. a very high level of anxiety which in fact can lead to a crisis of anxiety. Sweating, tremors, headache, nausea and vomiting are some of the most common physiological symptoms, along with tachycardia and hyperventilation.
Since it is not common to encounter horses in our daily lives, as a general rule this phobia does not usually cause great interference in the daily life of those who suffer from it. However, fear can also be triggered in situations associated with the presence of horses or in which representations of these creatures appear, for example avoiding carousels, amusement parks or fairs where such representations or even real animals may appear.
Causes of this phobia
Like other phobias, the causes of hypophobia are largely unknown. However, There are different hypotheses regarding its appearance
The main hypothesis in this regard is the one that proposes that fear of horses is acquired, learned from experience. It is common for people who have suffered accidents, be they kicks or falls, to suffer from it. It can also be learned vicariously either because someone in the environment has suffered accidents related to these beings or has been viewing or reading cases of accidents related to horses.
Another of the most common hypotheses is the one presented by the phobia of certain stimuli such as something partly phylogenetically inherited through genes, a natural reaction which allows the human being to escape from dangerous stimulation. Although horses are herbivores that would not hunt us and would not pose a threat at first, they are animals of great power and size: a horse’s kick has the potential to be fatal, and a stampede of these beings It could easily cause the death of a person.
As in the rest of phobias, one of the main and most effective treatments to apply for the treatment of hypophobia is exposure therapy This therapy is based mainly on exposing the subject to the feared stimulus without using avoidance techniques until the anxiety and panic caused by the phobic element decrease until they become practically imperceptible.
It is generally carried out in a graduated manner: It would be about creating a hierarchy of phobic stimuli , with different items or stimuli that generate panic ordered according to the level of anxiety that they cause, to little by little expose the subject to said stimuli in a graduated manner. For example, in the case at hand, one could begin with exposure to images of horses and gradually increase the complexity and level of exposure, such as visiting and riding merry-go-rounds, exposure to the vision of a live equine and get closer little by little, perhaps to the point of touching or even riding the animal.
In the long run, you can even consider visiting stables or even practicing equine therapy. However, this is an example: the items that should be raised must be negotiated between patient and therapist depending on what the former feels anxious about (something that can vary greatly depending on the patient, no matter how much the phobic stimulus is the same). and what you are willing to do.
Beyond the exhibition, Cognitive restructuring can be of great help to combat distorted beliefs and maladaptive, such as a possible vision that approaching a horse will cause it to be hostile, that the horse is aggressive, that the subject is unable to cope with its panic, or that it will most likely fall on its head. a horse if it can be ridden.
The use of relaxation techniques can be helpful when anxiety arises, whether to prepare for possible exposure or to reduce the internal tension associated with your panic.
