Who Do We Help?

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Riding has proven effective as recreational therapy in the treatment of various disabilities including but not limited to:

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            Autism                                    Hearing Impaired

        CVA (stroke)                            Traumatic Brain Injury

      Cerebral Palsy                            Muscular Dystrophy

Developmental Delays                    Parkinson's Disease    

    Down Syndrome                                Sight Impaired

Intellectual Disabilities                            Spina Bifida

   Multiple Sclerosis                       SID (sensory integration)

          Paralysis                                     Various Syndromes          Emotional Disabilities          Pervasive Development Disorder   

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Riders must have a disability and benefit from Equestrian Therapy to ride in the program. All riders are required to have a competed packet of forms (including a liability release, consents, and health history for example) and a Physician Referral form in order to ride.The rider must be four years of age or older and have a minimum sitting balance and head control of a 6 month old. 

What is Therapeutic Horseback Riding?

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The horse’s walk is a multi-dimensional, rhythmic and symmetrical gait that works one side of the student’s body, then the other, causing the pelvis to work both back and forth, side to side and up and down, just as it would if the rider were walking in the normal manner on the ground. This helps the rider maintain the proper postural alignment while stimulating the correct muscles. Through the motion of the horse, individuals with disabilities experience greater self-awareness, increased attention span and improved balance, coordination, muscle tone and physical condition. Our horses are marvelously mobile therapeutic machines.

 

Riding Encourages:

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• Cognitive Activity

• Sensory Integration

• Correct Muscle Tone

• Gross and Fine Motor Skills

• Increased Physical Stamina

• Proper Posture

• Independence and Social Skills

• Emotional Stability

• Self Esteem

• Vocalization

• Smiles