The Benefits of Therapeutic Riding

Doctors, therapists, riding instructors, and families are becoming increasingly aware of the positive physical and mental benefits of horseback riding for physically and/or mentally challenged individuals. The horse's movement provides the sensory input of a precise, repetitive pattern very similar to the movement of a person's pelvis during normal human gait. The horse's center of gravity shifts forward and backward, up and down, and side-to-side as will the rider's. The rider has to adapt to each shift in the horse's center of gravity. By doing so, the rider is utilizing muscles to maintain stability, posture, and balance that he/she may not work on a daily basis.

The rider's muscle tone is improved when the horse's movements are transmitted to the rider. Each step of the horse requires a postural adjustment by the rider. The rider's abdominal, back, hip, and leg muscles contract and work together in ways which are not often possible for a person with a physical disability. The body warmth transmitted from the horse to the rider can help to calm and relax the rider, as well as increase flexibility in stiff and sore joints and muscles, allowing for increased range of motion. Consequently, head and trunk postural control, body symmetry, balance, flexibility, strength, endurance, and spatial orientation are all enhanced.

Contact with the horse demands constantly changing adaptive responses and automatic self-correction by the rider, resulting in increased responsiveness and adaptability. Additional skills, such as communication and hand-eye coordination are enhanced through the interactions between the rider and the side-walkers.

For individuals with impaired mobility, the horse provides a sense of freedom and independence, opening the door to opportunities that are not otherwise available to them!

Through therapeutic riding, Harmony Ranch helps the rider accomplish

• Improved self confidence

  Confidence is gained by mastering a skill normally performed by able-bodied people. The ability to control an animal much larger ans stronger than oneself is a great confidence builder.

• Expansion of the focus of control

  The rider begins to view him/herself as having control over his/her world as control over a powerful animal increases.

• Increased interest in the outside world

  For those confined by a disability, the world tends to shrink in size. Riding increases interest in what is happening around the rider, as the rider explores the world from the back of a horse. Even exercising becomes interesting when done on horseback.

• Emotional control and self discipline

  The rider quickly learns that an out-of-control rider means an out-of-control horse. Shouting, crying, and emotional outbursts upset the horse, which in turn frightens the rider. Riders learn to control and appropriately express these emotions.

• Development of patience

  Since the horse has a mind of its own, the rider learns patience as he or she attempts to perform skills on the horse when the horse is not cooperating. Repetition of basic riding principles also helps to develop patience.

• Sense of normality

  Mastering a skill perceived as difficult by the average person enables the rider to feel capable instead of disabled.

• Improved risk-taking abilities

  Riding is a risk sport. The rider learns to master fears through the act of staying on the horse, as well as attempting new skills and positions on the horse.

• General sense of well being

  Exercise in the fresh air, away from the hospital, doctor's office, therapy room, or home to promote a sense of well being.

• Increased interest in one's own life

  The excitement of riding and the experiences involved stimulate the rider, encouraging the rider to speak and communicate about it.