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, when sitting atop the walking horse, 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.
The horse is a great equalizer for a rider. Someone who is unable to participate in other athletics can now compete in equine games and sports. A person who cannot walk gains "legs" and one who is small now has a new "higher" view of life while on horseback. The immediate gratification of independence and control is accomplished in the therapeutic riding arena. Riders are encouraged to participate as much as they can in grooming, saddling and guiding the horse. Praise and encouragement are constant from the volunteers.
Additional benefits for the riders while participating in therapy riding classes include: strengthening cognitive and sequential thinking, problem solving, confidence and self esteem building, exposure to positive role models and mentors, and movement toward achieving individual goals set by schools and therapists.
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. |
