Horseback riding can be more significant to a disabled rider than probably anyone else. a feeling of freedom the disabled person cannot apprehend from a wheelchair or from any impaired situations. Research has shown horseback riding can accomplish more than other forms of traditional therapies. Benefits include strengthening muscles, balance, coordination, and increased confidence.
Hippotherapy, a specialized style of physical therapy in which a horse is used as a therapy tool. Riding instructors work along with specialty trained physical therapists and occupational therapists during a usually thirty minute hippotherapy session. This therapy is useful in a broad range of disablities such as, cerebral palsy, paralysis, blindness, deafness, mental retardation and amputees.
How hippotherapy works? First, a patient is evaluated and assigned a goal-oriented task for their special need. The therapy begins. The patient is put in different positions on the bare back of a horse. This allows for the full feeling of the horses gate. The horses movement interact with specific muscle movements needed of the patient. Achieving beneficial rewards of stretching the muscles and maximizing muscle tone. In addition to exercise the patient enjoys an experience of horsemanship and companionship with the horse that gives an abundance of confidence.
Where is hippotherapy offered? There are many specialty equine facilities across the country. Most are non-profit organizations. To name a few, The National Center for Equine Facility therapy "http://www.nceft.com/" This web site offers information on riding for the handicapped. another great web site is "http://www.rio.com/" and "http://www.instanet.com/" which gives amny links to other equine riding facilities and horse related references.
Happy Trails!
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