Therapeutic horseback riding offers a special, enriching experience for disabled children by bringing together the disabled child with a horse, caring volunteers and specialists from the medical, psychological and educational fields. Different names including Equine Assisted Therapy, Equine Facilitated Therapy, and Riding for the Disabled are used to describe this beneficially therapy for disabled children.
By riding on the back of a horse in different equine-oriented activities, children can reach different goals in the areas of cognitive, physical, emotional, social, educational and behavioral. It has been around for years, dating back as early as the days of the ancient Greeks. At the turn of the century, it was recognized in England, beginning with therapy for wounded soldiers from World War I, expanding to all disabilities in the 1950's, and being recognized by the Royal Family and the United States, as organizations began setting up in support of it.
Horseback riding for disabled children is progressive, in that it helps a disabled child not only learn to control the body of the horse, but their own movements as well, enabling a disabled child to form a close bond and relationship with not only the horse, but those working with them to reach their goals;
· Physically - improving balance as the rider must use muscles to stay on top of the horse and not fall off, a somewhat difficult task for most children with a disability. Muscles are also strengthened because of their increased use during riding. Improved coordination, faster reflexes and better use of motor skills are obtained as repetitive movements quickens reflexes and aids in how to use motor skills, as well as the coordination needed to control a horse when riding are very few of the vast amount of benefits gained with this type of therapy. Stretching of muscles prevents spasticity and tightening, allowing for more free movement of a disabled child's limbs. There is an increased range of motion and decreased abnormal movement patterns for a disabled child who is given access to this type of therapy. Not only are breathing and circulation increased, but as with any type exercise, appetite and digestion also increase with therapeutic horseback riding. Lastly on the physical spectrum, for parents wondering where to obtain sensory integration, horseback riding is definitely worth a try for disabled children.
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