Therapeutic Riding

• For students with physical disabilities, the walking motion of the horse closely replicates how a person walks. Students often demonstrate improvements in muscle strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. With greater freedom of movement comes an increase in self-esteem, confidence, personal mobility and independence.
• For students with cognitive disabilities, therapeutic riding offers a motivational opportunity to improve their concentration, attention span, memory and language skill development.
• For students with behavioral and emotional challenges, the positive horse and human interaction experienced through therapeutic riding can result in a greater sense of teamwork, responsibility and communication. As the bond develops, so does the student's ability to take risks and deal with both success and failure.

The first centers for therapeutic riding in North America began operation in the 1960s. NARHA, formed in 1969, consisted of four member centers and 60 individual members during its founding year. Today, the number of NARHA-affiliated centers and members has drastically increased to more than 500 centers and 2,500 individual members. There are more than 26,000 riders who take part in NARHA programs with the help of 1,100 instructors, 20,000 volunteers, 600 licensed therapists and 4,000 therapy horses.

Individuals of all ages, with a wide range of physical, cognitive and/or emotional disabilities benefit from therapeutic horseback riding and other equine activities. The types of disabilities and conditions served include:

Before participating in therapeutic horseback riding activities, individuals need to consult with their physicians. NARHA riding centers require each prospective rider to present a complete medical history and physician's statement signed by their physician prior to a therapeutic riding session.

The benefits of horseback riding are as numerous as the types of disabilities and conditions served. Research shows that students who participate in therapeutic riding can experience physical, emotional and mental rewards. Because horseback riding gently and 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.

For individuals with mental or emotional disabilities, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience and self-esteem. The sense of independence found on horseback benefits all who ride. The therapeutic qualities of horseback riding are recognized by many medical professionals, including the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Medical Benefits

Dr. Louis Wagner, Retired, Chest and Vascular Surgeon, Franklin , PA : "A horse's walking action mimics your body action. So, when you put somebody on a horse, in order to keep their balance, they have to move their trunk, arms, shoulders, head and the rest of their body. Only a live creature can make happen what is so beneficial. Nautilus® and other exercise machines work only one group of muscles at a time. They don't require you to respond to them with natural body movements. A horse makes your whole body respond in a smoothly rhythmic, progressive way."

Dr. Walter Bobechko, Director of Humana Advanced Surgical Institute, Orthopedic Center of Dallas, TX: "Therapeutic riding is extremely effective with: •adult stroke patients •adults or children with brain injuries •children with cerebral palsy.

"In addition to the physical benefits, therapeutic riding offers psychological benefits because riders feel a sense of achievement and control. Therapeutic riding requires balance and muscular control that often enhances or expedites recovery. The slow, continuous, rhythmic motion of the gait of the horse is therapeutic and helps develop the muscles around the spine."

Dr. Peter Moskovitz, Orthopedic Surgeon, George Washington University Hospital , Washington , D.C.: "Horseback riding is an effective means of therapeutic treatment, especially among patients with neuromuscular-related problems or disabilities.

"Psychological functions such as improved self-image, perceptions of mastery and improved confidence appear to result from equestrian therapy."

"Young people with cerebrospastic neuromuscular disorders who participate in therapeutic riding show better range of hip and knee motion, improved sitting balance and ambulatory capacities. They have a more positive and cooperative attitude toward their regular physical therapy."

Robert T. Kramer, Chief, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor University Medical Center , Children's Medical Center , Presbyterian Medical Center , Dallas , TX : "Therapeutic riding transcends traditional therapeutic methods and provides people with the joy of participating in a program that offers social, athletic and personal rewards, while providing benefits as well."

*The above are selections were taken by permission from the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) website to educate others about the benefits therapeutic riding. If you would like to learn more about NARHA please visit the NARHA website at www.narha.org.