Benefits of Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic riding combines gentle equestrian techniques with physical therapy. The progressive, rhythmic motion of a horse stimulates the body and works the muscles of the rider in a manner similar to that of the human stride. The power and warmth of the horse can help strengthen and tone the rider's muscles, improve balance, flexibility, head control and eye/hand coordination. Concentration, patience and self‐esteem improve as the rider focuses on the responsibility of safely guiding an 1100 pound horse. As the legs of these beautiful animals become the legs of our riders, they are permitted a sense of freedom and mobility seldom experience elsewhere in their lives.
For many centuries, riding was used mainly as a source of transportation. In more recent years, it has become not only a form of recreation, but also a highly effective form of therapy. This type of riding uses equine- oriented activities for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well being of people with disabilities. The following list is just the beginning of what we might see in our riders:
Increased Muscular Strength: Participants develop and strengthen muscles by performing physical tasks with the horse. The horse stimulates the rider's pelvis and trunk in a manner that closely resembles the normal gait (walk) of an individual, working specific muscle groups.
Improved Motor Development: Participants have an opportunity to explore movement patterns and develop skills. The quality and quantity of movement experiences relates to the development of movement patterns such as walking, running and jumping.
Improved Balance and Rhythm: Participants develop the ability to maintain gross motor balance and to move more rhythmically with the horse. Participants will start to interpret and react to the horse's movement.
Improved Spatial Organization: Participants gain a better understanding of their body in space, and begin to distinguish between right, left, forward and backwards.
Improved Body localization: The participants develop the ability to locate and identify parts of the horse's body, this will aid in developing awareness and understanding of his/her own body.
Improved Sense of Time and Sequence: Participants develop an awareness of time concepts and will develop the ability to perform tasks in sequential order.
Improved Comprehension: Participants develop the ability to use judgment and reasoning in riding and working with the horses. This will enhance his/her ability to use judgment and reasoning when dealing/interacting with situations and changes in the environment.
Improved Problem Solving Skills: Participants learn and practice the process of problem solving. Problem solving occurs when participants work to accomplish a specific goal/skill.
Improved Communication Skills: Communication skills improve because clear communication between horse and rider at the verbal and non- verbal level is the only means to an effective working relationship in riding. As riding is usually a group activity, the students must also be able to communicate with peers, volunteers and the instructor.
For many centuries, riding was used mainly as a source of transportation. In more recent years, it has become not only a form of recreation, but also a highly effective form of therapy. This type of riding uses equine- oriented activities for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well being of people with disabilities. The following list is just the beginning of what we might see in our riders:
Increased Muscular Strength: Participants develop and strengthen muscles by performing physical tasks with the horse. The horse stimulates the rider's pelvis and trunk in a manner that closely resembles the normal gait (walk) of an individual, working specific muscle groups.
Improved Motor Development: Participants have an opportunity to explore movement patterns and develop skills. The quality and quantity of movement experiences relates to the development of movement patterns such as walking, running and jumping.
Improved Balance and Rhythm: Participants develop the ability to maintain gross motor balance and to move more rhythmically with the horse. Participants will start to interpret and react to the horse's movement.
Improved Spatial Organization: Participants gain a better understanding of their body in space, and begin to distinguish between right, left, forward and backwards.
Improved Body localization: The participants develop the ability to locate and identify parts of the horse's body, this will aid in developing awareness and understanding of his/her own body.
Improved Sense of Time and Sequence: Participants develop an awareness of time concepts and will develop the ability to perform tasks in sequential order.
Improved Comprehension: Participants develop the ability to use judgment and reasoning in riding and working with the horses. This will enhance his/her ability to use judgment and reasoning when dealing/interacting with situations and changes in the environment.
Improved Problem Solving Skills: Participants learn and practice the process of problem solving. Problem solving occurs when participants work to accomplish a specific goal/skill.
Improved Communication Skills: Communication skills improve because clear communication between horse and rider at the verbal and non- verbal level is the only means to an effective working relationship in riding. As riding is usually a group activity, the students must also be able to communicate with peers, volunteers and the instructor.