Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Sweet Abby Therapeutic horseback riding is a unique combination of sport, recreation, and education. There are many benefits to therapeutic riding for individuals with physical, cognitive or psychological disabilities.

Therapeutic riding focuses on forming a partnership with the horse. Students gain confidence by mastering riding skills. Sitting astride a horse increases balance and coordination, strengthens muscles, and brings about body awareness.

The horse's three-dimensional swinging gait closely emulates that of the human gait and allows the brain and body to practice correct walking movement patterns. The rhythmic movement and the warmth generated from the horse's body soothes and relaxes tight or painful muscles, joints, and tendons while building strength and flexibility.

Most importantly, therapeutic riding is FUN! Riders make new friends and social interactions are developed between the horse, instructors, volunteers, and other students.

Benefits

Physical Benefits

greater strength and agility
stretching and strengthening of underused or underdeveloped muscles
reduced spasticity
improve balance, posture and coordination
improve weight-bearing ability
improve circulation, respiration, and metabolism
improve fine and gross motor skills
improve reflexes
increase the rider’s awareness of their body in space
increase physical fitness and stamina
increase range of motion

Cognitive Benefits

sequencing
hand-eye coordination
decision-making
following directions
listening skills
multi-tasking
sensory integration
left/right discrimination
motor planning
patterning
visual/spatial perception

Psychological Benefits

FUN!
increase in recreation
empowerment
social interactions
responsibility
independence
improved self image
attention span
self-confidence
self-discipline
risk taking
patience
trust
freedom from wheelchairs and crutches

Social Benefits

friendships
development of respect for individuals and animals
love for animals
personal bonds
increased experiences
enjoyment
empathy and respect for others

Educational Benefits

through planned play and lessons, riders learn to identify
- colors
- numbers
- shapes
- animals
as well as working on reading, speech and problem solving

Who Benefits from Therapeutic Riding?

People who have the following:

Cerebral Palsy
ADD/ADHD
Hypertonia
Hypotonia
Learning disabilities
PTSD
Down Syndrome
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Developmental Delays
Paraplegia
Traumatic brain injury
Multiple sclerosis
Muscular dystrophy
Reactive Attachment Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Mental Retardation
Hearing impairments
Visual impairments
Stroke
Sensory integration disorder
Cognitive Disabilities