Riding develops abilities
Horse riding as beneficial therapy was first recognised 3,000 years ago. It is is also fun. Therefore horse riding is a good way for people with disabilities to receive positive therapy at the same time as participating in an enjoyable recreational activity.
Recognised benefits include:
- Improved balance and posture
- Promotion of body awareness
- promotes decision making and thinking ahead
- develops gross and fine motor skills
- motivation and learning, encourages reading and speech through games
- develops hand-eye co-ordination
- sequencing of actions can be taught
- sensory stimulation through activity and surroundings
- clinical exercises executed in different and pleasant surroundings
- overcoming phobias such as water, heights and animals
- horse riding is a natural Reflex Inhibiting Position
- builds self-confidence and self-esteem, and facilitates social integration
- memory improvement and concentration
- new mobility and access to new areas
- language and communication skills develop
- learning the value of Rules, e.g. safety and discipline
- setting personal challenges leading to achievement
- learning a skill that many able bodied do not have
- contact with animals and learning about their need for welfare
- participation with their peers
- opportunity for competition
- gives the right to take controlled risk
- promotes general feeling of well-being
“In a wheelchair people look down on me. On a horse I look down on them.”