Dustin and Nemo 2009
Therapeutic horseback riding, also known as Equine Assisted Activity or Adaptive Riding is for individuals with a broad 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, and enjoyable outlet to traditional therapy.
We serve individuals with:
- 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 realize that they are learning useful skills besides how to ride the horse! The rhythmic and repetitive movement of the horse mimics the natural movement of people as they walk. Using this movement on top of a horse naturally turns a persons hips and pelvis, encouraging the rider 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 than just mobility and balance!
Benefits of Therapeutic Riding:
- Improves motor planning
- Improves core strength
- Improves attention span
- Improves bilateral skills
- Stimulates muscle memory
- Teaches respect and patience
- Introduces positive sensory activities
- Teaches trust
- Increases self confidence
- Improves speech
- Develops or improves social skills
- Improves large motor skill
- Improves fine motor skills
- Strengthens spinal and pelvic muscles
- Increases vestibular system by the 3 dimensional movement of the horse
A client enjoying a lesson
We offer half hour or full hour sessions with parents input, as well as activities from the child’s school IEP and therapists are incorporated into each session.
To learn more about Therapeutic Riding please visit http://www.pathintl.org/ home of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International or “PATH.”