How it Works »

For individuals with physical disabilities, the benefits of therapeutic riding primarily are through the movements of the horse.  The horse's gait is mult-dimensional:  back and forth, up and down, side to side, and rotational.  Because the horse's gait mirrors the human gait, therapeutic riding strengthens and supports the natural motion of the spine and pevis.  Therapeutic riding:

• Builds muscle strength & tone
• Improves flexibility, balance and coordination
• Fosters greater freedome and mobility

Cognitive or learning impairments are addressed through instruction in grooming and tacking the horse and in horsemanship skills.  Just stopping a horse, for example, requires remembering a series of two or three different actions.  The riding lesson also includes a series of ordered tasks and other activities designed to improve concentration and memory.  Therapeutic riding:

• Improves attention span
• Improves communication and language skills
• Improves concentration and memory

Emotionally, a positive attitude and sense of well-being is accomplished and the student's ability to take risks and deal with successes and disappointments is improved.  A special bond is developed between the rider and horse and the rider and volunteers and staff.  Riding, grooming, tack and stable maintenance, recreational games played on horseback all encourage extra effort and development.  Therapeutic riding:

• Improves self-control and the capactity to take risks
• Builds teamwork
• Increases confidence & self esteem