By Children with Disabilities, Resources, Reviews, & How-tos

What is therapeutic riding?

Therapeutic riding is an equine-assisted activity for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with special needs.

Giant StepsChances are, you’ve heard of it or know someone who participates in a local program. Here is a list of challenges that may be helped by participating in therapeutic horseback riding.

  • ADD or other Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Amputation
  • At risk-youth
  • Attention deficit disorder
  • Autism
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Developmental delay
  • Down syndrome
  • Emotional, behavioral difficulties
  • Family counselling
  • Grief counselling
  • Learning disabilities
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Paralysis
  • Reactive attachment disorder
  • Spina bifida
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Strokes
  • Substance addiction and abuse
  • Terminal illness
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Visual and auditory impairment
  • Weight Control Disorders

program_equine

Many benefits of therapeutic horseback riding include:

  • Therapeutic riding provides benefits in the areas of health, education, sport and recreation & leisure. Throughout the world, there are thousands of individuals with special needs who experience the rewarding benefits of horseback riding. A disability does not have to limit a person from riding horses. In fact, experiencing the motion of a horse can be very therapeutic. Because horseback riding rhythmically 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. In addition to the therapeutic benefits, horseback riding also provides recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors.

hippotherapy1Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International 

Grace on DoraPersonal Connection

I’m not a horse person. I’m excruciatingly allergic to horses and have managed to avoid them most of my life. You can imagine my reaction when a family member called me and told me about a local organization that helps children with disabilities, using horse therapy. “No way” I said in reply to questioning if I was signing up my daughter. Well, after three years my attitude has changed since my daughter has been involved with therapeutic horseback riding. Each week, I take her to the stables and sneeze my head off. She happily grooms the pony she rides and is learning to give commands and steer. She also adores her volunteers (sidewalkers). As I watch each week, I see her steadily improving physically, socially and cognitively because of this therapy. When on a horse, my daughter can walk on independently, she is so empowered. I cannot say that I have become a horse lover, but I’m definitely a horse admirer.

Interested?

If this seems like something that could benefit you or a family member please do some research. There are several locations to explore in Central PA for Therapeutic Horseback Riding.

Chasing Rainbows

CATRA Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association, INC.

  • 717-469-7517
  • New Day Equestrian Center Station Road in Grantville, PA, 17028
  • PO Box 339, Grantville, PA 17028
    catra@catra.net

Leg Up Farm

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