Our two-year-old Graci started taking Horse Therapy riding lessons in January 2011. It was recommended by her early intervention teacher, so we put her on the waiting list right away. She had a spot reserved within just a few weeks and we were so excited!
Below you will see some information on the benefits of Horse Therapy. We would recommend it to anyone! Besides the benefits listed below, Graci's confidence around animals has increased ten fold since she began.
Benefits
Therapeutic horseback riding benefits almost any disabling condition including: cerebral palsy, autism, down syndrome, head injuries, hearing impaired, visually impaired, multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders, speech & learning disabilities, and sensory integration dysfunction. The physical, mental, and emotional benefits of therapeutic horsemanship are many. The rhythmic motion and warmth of the horse stimulates and exercises the rider's muscles increasing mobility the pelvis, hip, and spine. The rider experiences weight shift and trunk mobility as if he were walking on his own.
As the horse and rider progresses through their different gaits, the rider experiences a wide range of sensory input. At a walk, the rider benefits from the calming effort of the rhythmic, three-dimensional movement. As the horse moves to a trot, the rider's alertness is increased, his posture aligned, and he becomes more aware of his own body. Riders respond to this movement. During the lesson, activities and exercises take place to encourage speech, identify objects, and sequence multiple tasks. Students also participate in games and socialize with other students.
Since this is a horsemanship lesson as well as a riding lesson, Graci is learning how to care for her horse, Poncho. At the end of each lesson, Graci is responsible for putting away her reins, counting carrots and placing them into a bucket, carrying the bucket to Poncho, feeding and petting Poncho and finally putting away the bucket.
In her first lessons, her instructor would carry Graci while performing all of these tasks. Now, Graci walks with her instructor while holding the reins and then the bucket in the other hand. She loves her lessons and practices saying and pointing "Go Poncho Go!"
Look for Therapeutic Horse Riding lessons in your area! We highly recommend this type of therapy.
Learn how you can take horse riding lessons with top trainers around the world without leaving your own barn! If you have a video camera and a horse, you're ready to go. All you have to do is choose a trainer, take a video of yourself working on the areas you need help with, and then send the video to your trainer.
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