Equestrian therapy for the disabled
Equestrian Therapy is horseback riding for the disabled children and adults with cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism, learning disability, stroke and accident victims.The riding exercises aim to build muscle strength, balance and coordination, thus increase joint mobility and perceptual skills.
By combining equestrian techniques with concepts of physical therapy, this creates therapeutic riding for mentally and physically disabled people. Rather than the routine of other therapies, equestrian therapy is practiced in an atmosphere of fun and sport.
The rider learns traditional horsemanship skills to control the horse, thus increasing his or her self-esteem as well as improving their physical abilities. Equestrian Therapy also challenges students in a way they have seldom been challenged before.
The opportunity to lead a horse, to groom and help saddle it, are very real sources of excitement and accomplishment. The natural affinity between people and horses is a powerful way of encouraging the disabled to achieve their full potential.
Almost every disabled person can benefit from therapeutic riding. In less than fifteen minutes a walking horse takes a thousand steps. Each one requires the rider to use their muscles to maintain balance and their mind to control the horse.
Most of the non-profit organizations dedicated to teaching horseback riding to children and adults with physical and mental disabilities are in need of volunteers and cash donations to buy saddles, bridles, horse supplements and other tack items.
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