Therapeutic Horseback Riding

@cyrus123 (6363)
United States
May 19, 2009 12:41am CST
Well, I'm finally getting around to doing that discussion I told some of you I was going to do on Therapeutic Horseback Riding.I just had to figure out what I was going to say about it. For those of you who don't know, the word "equine" is the scientific word for "horse", just like a dog is a "canine" and a cat is a "feline", etc. Throughout the world, horseback riding is considered a uniquely beneficial form of therapy. A horse's gait, similar to the human walk, helps strenthen spine and pelvic muscles, improves posture and coordination, and increases joint mobility. Along with physical therapeutic benefits, horseback riding gives people a feeling of control, a sense of accomplishment, and increased self-esteem. Therapeutic Riding, also known as Equine Assisted Therapy, Equine Facilitated Therapy, and Riding for the Disabled, is the use of horse and equine-oriented activities to chieve a variety of therapeutic goals, including cognitive, physical, emotional, social, educational, and behavioral goals. Horseback riding for the disabled is recognized as one of the more progressive forms of therapy. The ability to control a horse as well as one's own body inspires self-confidence, responsibility, and teamwork. Best of all, it is a thoroughly enjoyable experience, which creates a special relationship between rider and horse and promotes personal challenge. From the beginning, riders learn balance, coordination, and self-assurance while receiving therapeutic muscle stimulation. As a result of lessons, poise, posture, strength, and flexibility improve. Classes, horse shows, and events encourage self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment as new levels of expertise and self challenges are met. "Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul; the blue prints of your ultimate accomplishments." Napoleon Hill Physical Benefits: 1. Stretching of tight or spastic muscles 2. Decreased spasiticity 3. Increased range of motion of the joints 4. Reduction of abnormal movement patterns 5. Improveed respiration and circulation 6. Improved appetite and digestion 7. Sensory integration Psychological Benefits: 1. Improved self-confidence 2. Increased interest in the outside world 3. Increased interest in one's own life 4. Development of patience 5. Emotional control and self-discipline 6. Sense of normality 7. Expansion of the focus of control Social Benefits: 1. Friendship 2. Increased experiences 3. Enjoyment Educational Benefits: 1. Remedial Reading 2. Remedial Math 3. Sequencing, patterning, and motor planning 4. Improved Eye-Hand Coordination 5. Visual Spatial Perception 6. Differentiation
2 people like this
1 response
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
20 May 09
I have known children and adults who have participated in this type of program. It does a lot for confidence, as does swimming. If those of us who have full use of our body, no matter how old or sore, could realize what it is like to be imprisoned by a body that ignores and resists our commands we would be a lot more sympathetic. I have a feeling there would be a lot more funding available for these therapeutic methods so that more of the challenged and disabled could participate.
@cyrus123 (6363)
• United States
20 May 09
This is so true! We have a lot of local businesses that sponsor us and we held a benefit rodeo last year. We also had a local motorcycle ride to help us out twice already. Those are a few things I can think of. Have you visited our website? I knew that dreamweaverjan did but I didn't know if you had or not. I forgot to include it with my discussion. It's www.easi.webs.com. My picture isn't on the website but I hope it will be one of these days. Kathy.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Jun 09
I have actually worked with a Therapeutic Riding program in Northern Virginia. The program had a lot of volunteers, along with a lot of special needs children that had benefited for years. The program is also made up of a selected variety of horses, from minis, to retired racehorses, to donated horses. The children that are signed up to ride there are given a horse that best suits their ability. A lot of the children that I worked with couldn't stand, walk, speech, and even sit up very well. Some of them couldn't keep their heads off their shoulders. These children would come once to two times a week for hour sessions, either privately, or in groups. Each group lesson was designed to help each rider, either trough different obstacles, or trying a faster walk or fast trot, as they are improving their skills. One child that was there couldn't keep his back straight, so his balance was off, and he couldn't quite control it. After a couple of months of riding with Therapeutic Riding, Assn., his posture and balance improved to the point where he could sit up himself, and he was doing all of this bareback. It was a very memorable experience, and that's why I totally support the program. It changes lives, and if more people knew about it, and more funding was provided, I think that a lot of special needs children would have a hayday.
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
22 Jun 09
I love your comment.
1 person likes this