Therapeutic Riding

Benefits of Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic horse riding, also known as an Equine Assisted Activity, or ” Adaptive Riding” is for individuals with a range of physical, emotional, cognitive, and social disabilities. There are several different kinds of programs that utilize horses and horse riding for recreational benefits. Equine Assisted Activities are especially targeted for persons with disabilities.

Therapeutic Riding gives the rider a different, some times more enjoyable outlet to therapy then the normal Physical and Occupational therapy that most children and adults go through.

Therapeutic Riding benefit children and adults with disabilities such as-

Down Syndrome
Cerebral Palsy
Autism
Tremors
Seizures
Spina Bifida
Multiple Sclerosis
Developmental and speech delays

Learning on horse back is fun! Most of the time, children do not even realize that they are learning something other then how to ride the horse. The rhythmic, repetitive movement of the horse mimics the natural movement that people use as they walk. Using this movement on top of a horse naturally turns a persons hips and pelvis to sit up straight and move in a rolling motion as if they were walking on the ground them selves. Using horses in therapy can help improve more then just mobility and balance, it can help-

Recognizing one’s center of gravity
Following directions
Staying focused for longer periods of time
Improves coordination
Improves crossing over the mid line
Stimulates the brain and the connection between moving limbs to brain responses
Teaches respect and patience
Teaches trust and develops a bond between rider and a living being
Increases self confidence and self worth

The first photo is of a camper in 2009, this was his first year of camp and he was scared of horses and very timid. The second picture is of the same camper 3 years later. As you can tell, he has greatly improved and succeeded in TACO!

Therapeutic riding has rapidly increased in popularity over the last century.
It was first used and recorded by ancient Greek philosophers but was not a published use until the 1960's.
Therapeutic riding incorporates systems of the body such as those responsible for balance and hand-eye coordination.
It also offers those that are not physically able to participate in traditional sports a way to stay physically active.
Communication, problem solving, and team work are just some of the obstacles riding helps children with disabilities overcome.
Therapeutic riding is also beneficial because the students think of it as a fun activity, versus therapy.
The shape of a horses' back can be compared to that of an exercise ball, riders must sit up straight and balance themselves, much like on an exercise ball. This helps to improve balance, core strength, and posture.
Horses used during therapeutic riding are "bomb proof". They are highly trained and exposed to any and all situations that may arise. Horses bond with their rider and easily sense that their rider is young or inexperienced and needs some extra help.
Therapeutic riding also helps build muscles in every part of the body. For anyone who has ever ridden before, you know that you find muscles you never knew you had.
Incorporating activities such as putting rings on poles, steering through cones, and dropping balls into buckets enhance the riders hand-eye coordination, concentration and also the ability to follow directions.

To learn more about Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy, please visit the website for “North American Riding for the Handicapped” or NARHA