Benefits of Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic riding is a dynamic way to improve balance, joint mobility, coordination, muscle tone and posture. When mounted on a walking horse, the rider's body experiences an almost exact replication of human walking. The horse's movement is three-dimensional, up and down, side to side and back and forth. All three of these dimensions are synchronized in a precise and repetitive pattern which is much the same as the human gait.
The rider responds to the motions with improved body symmetry, improved muscle tone, increased head and neck control and improved balance. The horse's movement also provides the rider with the strong sensory input to the areas of the brain that register touch and motion. Adding stretching, reaching, flexing, and balancing exercises to the riding lesson and the rider's trunk, arms, and legs are strengthened and balance is improved. Games are often incorporated into the program to challenge and improve fine motor skills and because riding is an aerobic activity it increases oxygen input and cardiovascular efficiency.
Therapeutic riding also promotes socialization. Instructors, therapists, volunteers, parents and riders get together. Often the social interaction becomes as important as the riding lesson. Friendships are made, acceptable behaviors are reinforced and unacceptable behaviors are discouraged. A human-animal bond develops between riders and their therapy horses as riders discover that the horses are gentle, friendly, accepting, and do not see disabilities.
Who we Serve
Reins for Life at Poplar Ridge Stables is open to all walks of life! From 2 to 92, all are welcome! We have riders who have seen the many benefits of therapeutic riding who have been diagnosed with Autism, ADD/ADHD, Developmental Delays, Cerebral Palsy, Emotional Disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Stroke, Speech Disorders, and Down Syndrome, just to name a few.
What we offer/Class Structure
Our lessons are carefully structured to fit each rider, and we make every effort to meet their personal goals. With each lesson, we strive for our riders to gain self-confidence, improve their mental and physical capabilities, and engage in social relationships with other riders, volunteers, and staff. We offer a safe environment where are riders feel comfortable to learn and grow! We pride ourselves on offering private sessions so that each student feels that one-on-one attention. On occasion, or by request of the family, we can also accommodate up to 3 riders in a class.
Volunteers
Our dedicated volunteers provide hands on support to our clients. Volunteers assist in tacking horses, barn chores, horse management, helping during our therapy sessions, but most importantly, they offer encouragement and support to our riders. Poplar Ridge Stables is always looking for devoted volunteers to aid in the success of our riders.
Credentials
Our PATH International Certified Instructor comes to us with over 20 years of equine related experience. PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship), formerly known as NARHA, is the leader in Equine Assisted Therapy. Qualified facilities will base their lessons from the standards set forth by PATH. We continue to stay current on continued education courses as it related to equine assisted therapies. |
