Benefits of Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Therapeutic riding uses horseback riding to address the needs of individuals with physical differences. Therapeutic use of the horse involves the whole person-mind, body, and spirit. Horseback riding has been shown to improve posture, balance, and self-esteem while fostering personal growth. The horse often serves as a strong motivator in helping these individuals work through challenges to improve the quality of their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is Equine Therapy & Horseback Riding So Special?

Horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to the human gait. Riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance, and muscle strength. In addition, the horse provides movement, warmth, stimulation and motivation to the rider helping him to reach a higher potential. This development in an individual helps with social interaction and enhances their integration into the general community. Also, incorporated in all areas of instruction are the extremely important skills of discipline and respect required when working with horses. Many of our participants are able to overcome obstacles and barriers where other therapies have failed. The horse is often a strong motivator in allowing the student to express himself in ways he has previously found difficult. This can result in a physical, emotional, or communicative expression. Often these improvements and the growth experienced with us at Mountin' Hopes carry over into many areas of the participants life.

Who Can Benefit from Therapeutic Horseback Riding?

Individuals who have benefited from therapeutic horseback riding have had disabilities or conditions including amputations, autism, brain injuries, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, emotional disabilities, hearing impairments, post-polio, learning disabilities, mental retardation, speech impairments, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cardiovascular accidents, visual impairments, and spina bifida, plus, many other related challenges.

How Do We Meet a Participant's Individual Needs?

With input from the individual, his/her parents, physicians, and therapists, our certified instructors set specific goals for each participant at the start of each series of classes. Activities are planned for each weekly lesson to help the participants work toward these goals, both on and off horseback.

Who Conducts the Program and What Standards Do They Follow?

All activities at Mountin' Hopes are closely supervised by our Certified Instructors and their assistants. Physical therapists and other medical experts assist with the program as needed. Teaching methods, safety standards and all other aspects of the program are guided by the principles of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA).

How Else Is Therapeutic Horseback Riding Beneficial

Providing safe therapeutic equine activities also addresses the needs of individuals dealing with alienation, intimidation, and victimization issues which often accompany cognitive and physical challenges, Clients are encouraged through interaction with the horse to explore assertiveness, stress reduction, and emotional fitness skills that allow them to build self-esteem and personal empowerment in the process. Through body awareness in relation to the horse, our program encourages breathing and relaxation techniques promoting multi-sensory awareness and creative expression.