Benefits of Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic riding holds many benefits. Participation in therapeutic riding aids clients in the development of mobility, balance, and co-ordination while it improves muscle tone and core strength.
Clients thrive when given the opportunity to explore and discover independence, self-confidence, and achievement through a fun and rewarding therapeutic avenue.
Therapeutic riding offers many things to a vast array of people: from a highly engaging therapy “in disguise” as a fun recreational activity to the opportunity to engage in the elite world of para-equestrian competition.
Beyond mounted therapies, the special power of the relationship between an individual and a horse has helped countless individuals explore the therapeutic rewards of equine assisted education and equine assisted therapies. The special affinity between a participant and a horse has proven to consistently bridge gaps, deconstruct barriers, and promote personal development. Facilitated interaction with horses, or therapeutic horsemanship, develops and promotes life skills while encouraging responsibility and individual empowerment. Moreover, the company of our equine friends is a highly stimulating, engaging, and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
People with the following conditions may benefit from therapeutic riding. Please note this list is not exhaustive.
Orthopaedic Conditions:
- Amputations
- Arthritis
- Congenital dislocation of the hip
Neurological Conditions – Brain:
- Strokes – C.V.A.
- Cerebral Palsy
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Traumatic brain injury
Neurological Conditions – Spinal Cord:
- Spina bifida
- Spinal cord injury
- Spinal immobility
Neuromuscular Conditions:
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Muscular Dystrophy
Other Conditions:
- Autism
- Visual Impairments
- Hearing Impairment
- Emotional Disorders
- Intellectual/Developmental disability
- Down Syndrome
Some of the benefits include:
- Improvement of balance
- Development of coordination
- Mobilization of trunk and pelvis
- Strengthening of muscles
- Normalization of muscle tone
- Prevention of contractures
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Improvement of attention span
- Promotion of independence
- Improvement of social integration
- Access to recreation, sport and/or competition
- Increased concentration, motivation and patience
