Most people have heard of some form of physical therapy. Well on horseback it is often called Hippotherapy, it is a commonly used for around 100 different conditions; autism, brain injuries, spinal cord injury, visual or hearing loss, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, as well as many other conditions. These diseases and conditions can benefit from riding horses, they can increase balance, confidence, mobility, flexibility, and muscle strength. When riding a horse it mimics the gait that a human makes when walking, so for those that can't walk, it is a way to walk again.
Since riding is similar to the human walk it strengthens the spine as well as improves posture and muscle tone. It has both physical and emotional benefits. When using a horse, it allows everyone to be on equal grounds and gives them a sense of freedom. I personally know how much horses have driven me to keep going since my accident. Participants can also learn companionship, confidence, responsibility, and educational skills.
In therapeutic riding, horses are trained in different ways to meet the needs of their riders. Horses can help with anxiety and depression as well as recover from trauma. Therapeutic horseback riding is made up certified therapists, staff, volunteers, as well as parents and family. I know after I rode for the first time since my accident, that it gave me a new mental boost as well as helped keeping my leg spasms under control. I'm hoping this Spring to get into a riding program near where I live.
Here is an example video of a therapeutic riding center I visited while in Maui. Where volunteers as well as my family helped me mount and ride again, the horses name is Jet.
I have a friend who needs to horse ride beause of depression, it has really helped her, everyone who has been with her since the start of her depression has noticed a real difference!
I have a friend who needs to horse ride beause of depression, it has really helped her, everyone who has been with her since the start of her depression has noticed a real difference!
I would honestly love to volunteer at a therapeutic riding center, but I'm most likely too young. However, this is an incredible article! I wasn't aware that it could help with visual/hearing loss.
I would honestly love to volunteer at a therapeutic riding center, but I'm most likely too young. However, this is an incredible article! I wasn't aware that it could help with visual/hearing loss.
I spent a short period at a Therapeutic riding facility (leading horses) and the change in the kids was really interesting. I've not seen people be affected like that so intensely ever before. Really cool experience.
I spent a short period at a Therapeutic riding facility (leading horses) and the change in the kids was really interesting. I've not seen people be affected like that so intensely ever before. Really cool experience.
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Most people have heard of some form of physical therapy. Well on horseback it is often called Hippotherapy, it is a commonly used for around 100 different conditions; autism, brain injuries, spinal cord injury, visual or hearing loss, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, as well as many other conditions. These diseases and conditions can benefit from riding horses, they can increase balance, confidence, mobility, flexibility, and muscle strength. When riding a horse it mimics the gait that a human makes when walking, so for those that can't walk, it is a way to walk again.
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