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Facts & FAQs about Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic Riding (also known as equine-assisted activity or adaptive riding) is a form of therapy in which an equine–horse, mule, pony or donkey–is used as a partner with the human participant. In addition to the physical therapy and benefits to the rider, the mental and emotional impact is undeniable.

Riding horses specifically for therapeutic purposes has helped people including children with diverse disabilities, including Down syndrome, Autism, Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse, according to the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA), a non-profit organization that promotes the use of horses to benefit people with physical, emotional and learning disabilities. Soldiers returning from war and conflicts are also receiving equine therapies for disabilities including PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

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What is Therapeutic Riding?
Therapeutic Riding creates new opportunities for physical, mental and emotional rehabilitation. The rhythmic and rocking gait of the horse transfers a gentle three-dimensional movement to the rider that relaxes muscles, improves muscle tone, flexibility and balance, and enhances spatial awareness. Outdoors with a team of encouraging volunteers and a supportive horse, self-control, self-esteem, self-confidence and independence grows. Rehabilitation becomes a joy rather than a chore.

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What are the Different Types of Therapeutic Riding Treatments?

• Therapeutic Riding is an individualized program of learning to ride a horse which takes into account a person’s physical, mental, and emotional strengths and limitations.
• Hippotherapy is physical therapy that utilizes the natural movement of the horse to help riders regain physical strength, mobility, and coordination.
• Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is a combination of Therapeutic Riding and traditional Psychotherapy.

What Types of Disabilities or Conditions is Therapeutic Riding Used to Treat?
Therapeutic Riding is a growing and widely-accepted treatment for rehabilitating a range of physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Conditions served include: cerebral palsy, spina bifida, neuromuscular disorders, post-traumatic brain injury, autism, ADHD, and cognitive disorders. Riders experience increased self-confidence and improvement in strength, balance, coordination, attention span, language and social skills.

What are the Direct Benefits of Therapeutic Riding?

• Normalizes muscle strength and tone. Improves coordination, freedom of movement, balance, respiration, body awareness, tactile perception and oral motor control.
• Improves interpersonal communication. Promotes family interaction and broadens social activity. Develops a recreational skill.
• Improves physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.
• Enhances self-image and confidence. Increases acceptance of unfamiliar experiences. Develops loving relationships.
• Provides educational, recreational and vocational opportunities.

What is Therapeutic Driving
Using a horse and carriage gives participants an alternative or an addition to riding, opening up the world of horses to those who may be unable to ride due to weight, balance, fatigue, fear of heights, the inability to sit astride, or other issues.

Therapeutic Driving offers individuals with physical, mental, sensory, or emotional conditions the rewards of interaction and control of a horse or pony while driving from a carriage seat or in their own wheelchair.