Therapeutic horseback riding brings about remarkable benefits to riders with physical and learning disabilities.
To a rider with a physical disability, the three-dimensional gait of the horse helps to improve their balance, postural & trunk control, while also enhancing their fine motor dexterity while guiding the horse through the use of rein aids.
Over 66,000 special riders every year are treated with equine therapy across the world.
In modern times, equine therapy began to gain popularity in the 1950s, when Liz Hartel, a Danish woman who was paralyzed due to polio, won the silver medal in dressage in the 1952 Olympic Games. Soon after, therapists around the world paired therapeutic riding with physical therapy treatments and found amazing results.
In 1969, the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) was established to guide industry standards. There are currently 850 PATH certified riding stables in the United States. In South Florida, GBSE supports Good Hope Equestrian Training Facility in Homestead, Stable Place in Davie and Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast in Vero Beach.
A horse.
The warmth and motion of the horse's body can significantly reduce spasticity and augment the rider’s coordination in other muscle groups. Astride a horse, the rider’s self-esteem soars as they learn and master new skills while developing a passion and friendship with their equine partner.
Other proven benefits include:
• Increased range of motion of joints
• Improved visual-spatial perception
• Increased endurance and low-level cardiovascular conditioning
• Increased awareness of one’s body in space (proprioception)
• Improved core strength, motor coordination, and balance
• Improved social and communication skills
• Stimulation of the rider’s vestibular, nervous and circulatory systems through the physical movements experienced during the mounted sessions
The rider.
For children with special needs, equine therapy provides an opportunity to find new friends – first in the animal and then in the supporting team of instructional staff and volunteers. Similarly, veterans have the chance to feel safe, grounded, and reconnected. The bonding and trust that takes place between these children and veterans and their horses and trainers is often as valuable as the therapy itself.
Therapeutic Riding and Equine Therapy can help:
• Veterans returning from active duty with physical and emotional scars, including paraplegics, quadriplegics, amputees and those with PTSD
• Children diagnosed with autism, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, child oncology patients and other physical or emotional disabilities, as well as at-risk youth.
• Equine therapy can complement existing therapies or stand alone as a valuable therapeutic modality.