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.

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Therapeutic horseback riding benefits almost any disabling condition including:

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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.