Therapeutic Riding at a Glance
Equine-assisted therapy contributes positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with special needs. The rewarding benefits of horseback riding include the areas of health, education, and sports. In addition, it opens recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors.
A disability does not have to limit a person from riding horses!
In fact, experiencing the rhythmic motion of a horse’s gait moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait. Riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength.
How it all Works!
We have structured varying games and patterns that develop muscle tone, balance, and initiates mental stimulation. This is achieved through assorted exercises that soothe the mind and build confidence.
The sessions are designed with each person’s individual needs in mind. Our qualified leaders present calm and detailed direction.
One parent or guardian is required to be the side-walker to assist in notifying stress triggers and to give an extra boost of confidence to the riders.
Not all sessions will be riding sessions. Some of the best bonding can happen on the ground!
Veterans
Equine Assisted Therapy has shown to be effective in treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorders and other chronic mental illnesses.
Continuous Support
As you grow and build strength we encourage new challenges.
Our Mission
We are here to give our riders the opportunity to experience developing a bond between a horse and rider. The rewarding feeling of this bond is accompanied with learning to trust the friendship of the horse, lose all fear, and replace that fear with trust, self-confidence and pride. When horse and rider learn to be patient and respect each other’s needs, then the true fun of the ride begins.
We strive to encourage our students to learn and practice patience, confidence, self-respect, and to take pride in themselves and in the things that they accomplish during the sessions. It’s important to us to provide an environment they can be themselves in without any discrimination based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.
Too often, a disabled person will feel inferior to others who may not have a disability. However, place a disabled person on the back of a thousand pound horse, teach them to control and react with the horse, and you will see a positive difference.
A person with a disability may feel that he or she could never accomplish horseback riding because of their disability, but we are here to prove that they are easily capable and strong enough to achieve horseback riding and more!
Blessings to all our special Horses and the Services they Provide.
“And the Student became the Teacher”
