Therapeutic Horseback Riding

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Well, I'm finally getting around to doing that discussion I told some of you I was going to do on Therapeutic Horseback Riding.I just had to figure out what I was going to say about it. For those of you who don't know, the word "equine" is the scientific word for "horse", just like a dog is a "canine" and a cat is a "feline", etc. Throughout the world, horseback riding is considered a uniquely beneficial form of therapy. A horse's gait, similar to the human walk, helps strenthen spine and pelvic muscles, improves posture and coordination, and increases joint mobility. Along with physical therapeutic benefits, horseback riding gives people a feeling of control, a sense of accomplishment, and increased self-esteem. Therapeutic Riding, also known as Equine Assisted Therapy, Equine Facilitated Therapy, and Riding for the Disabled, is the use of horse and equine-oriented activities to chieve a variety of therapeutic goals, including cognitive, physical, emotional, social, educational, and behavioral goals. Horseback riding for the disabled is recognized as one of the more progressive forms of therapy. The ability to control a horse as well as one's own body inspires self-confidence, responsibility, and teamwork. Best of all, it is a thoroughly enjoyable experience, which creates a special relationship between rider and horse and promotes personal challenge. From the beginning, riders learn balance, coordination, and self-assurance while receiving therapeutic muscle stimulation. As a result of lessons, poise, posture, strength, and flexibility improve. Classes, horse shows, and events encourage self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment as new levels of expertise and self challenges are met. "Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul; the blue prints of your ultimate accomplishments." Napoleon Hill Physical Benefits: 1. Stretching of tight or spastic muscles 2. Decreased spasiticity 3. Increased range of motion of the joints 4. Reduction of abnormal movement patterns 5. Improveed respiration and circulation 6. Improved appetite and digestion 7. Sensory integration Psychological Benefits: 1. Improved self-confidence 2. Increased interest in the outside world 3. Increased interest in one's own life 4. Development of patience 5. Emotional control and self-discipline 6. Sense of normality 7. Expansion of the focus of control Social Benefits: 1. Friendship 2. Increased experiences 3. Enjoyment Educational Benefits: 1. Remedial Reading 2. Remedial Math 3. Sequencing, patterning, and motor planning 4. Improved Eye-Hand Coordination 5. Visual Spatial Perception 6. Differentiation