BENEFITS OF HORSEBACK RIDING
WITH TALLY THERAPEUTIC HORSEMANSHIP
Therapeutic riding provides physical, cognitive and psychological benefits that help to improve balance, joint mobility, coordination, muscle tone, posture, socialization and communication.
POSITIVE EFFECTS OF EQUINE MOVEMENT
Therapeutic riding is a dynamic way to improve balance, joint mobility, coordination, muscle tone and posture. When mounted astride a walking horse, the rider's body experiences an almost exact replication of human walking. The horse's movement is three-dimensional, up and down, side to side and back and forth. All three of these dimensions are synchronized in a precise and repetitive pattern which is much the same as the humain gait.
Therapeutic horseback riding benefits almost any disabling condition including
The physical, mental, and emotional benefits of therapeutic horsemanship are numerous. The rhythmic motion and warmth of the horse stimulates and exercises the rider’s muscles increasing mobility of the pelvis, hip, and spine. The rider experiences weight shift and trunk mobility as if he were walking on his own.
As the horse and rider progress through their different gaits, the rider experiences a wide range of sensory input. At a walk, the rider benefits from the calming effort of the rhythmic, three-dimensional movement. As the horse moves to a trot, the rider’s alertness is increased, his posture aligned, and he becomes more aware of his own body. Riders respond to this movement as the lessons, activities and exercises take place. To encourage speech, identify objects, and sequence multiple tasks students also participate in games and socialize with other students.
-
Cerebral palsy
-
Autism
-
Down syndrome
-
Head injuries
-
Hearing impaired/visually impaired
-
Multiple sclerosis
-
Seizure disorders
-
Speech & learning disabilities
-
Sensory integration dysfunction
MOUNTED RIDING
Lessons Involve a team that typically includes proficient horse leaders, trained side-walkers, and carefully selected horses. Independent riders may not need as much assistance.
What are Equine-assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT)? EAAT involve exercises, activities, and games on or off a horse. The term "EAAT" is synonymous with the term "Therapeutic Horsemanship." The two terms are interchangeable.
Every client has unique individual goals. Some goals are simply recreational, as the client enjoys the process of developing skills to proficiently ride/handle a horse. Some clients even participate in special riding competitions.
Therapeutic goals focus on improvements in sensory integration, coordination, speech, mental health, educational performance, and social behavior. Lesson plans are designed for the individual, often in consultation with the client’s therapists, educators, and medical professionals.
The term “Therapy” is only used when the client is involved in “Hippotherapy." Hippotherapy involves a licensed therapist, who is present and active during the session.
UN-MOUNTED
Not all clients will ride a horse; however, effort is made to accommodate those who wish to ride.
A vast array of equine activities, games, and therapies are available to non-riders, focusing on improvements in sensory integration, muscle fitness, coordination, educational performance, mental health, speech, and social behavior.
Horses tend to mirror our emotions, and much can be gained from the interaction with a horse. Interaction with a horse is often said to be “therapeutic". A relationship is developed between human and horse.