The Power of Therapeutic Horse Riding for Humans
The hidden healing powers of Horses
Any special need, beit physical, emotional or cognitive, does not limit a person from interacting with Ponies or Horses. On the contrary, recent research has shown that such equine interactions can have major emotional impacts and physical benefits.
Individuals of all ages who participate in Therapeutic Riding, experience physical and emotional rewards.
Horse-riding moves a rider’s body in a manner not too dissimilar to a human gait, so riders with physical needs often show improved flexibility, muscle strength and overall balance.
For people with emotional challenges, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience, and self-esteem. So its deal for people with a disability or those who face psychological or emotional challenges.
Therapeutic riding is a practice that utilizes horses to improve:
- Physical
- Emotional
- Social
- Educational
- Cognitive, and
- Behavioural measures
Working and partnering with equines also provides recreational opportunities for people who wish to enjoy the outdoors as well as take pleasure from the interaction with animals.
“Healing from loss is a journey of the soul. Our horses seem to just stand by our side with strength and beauty and speak to our soul.” — Unknown
Therapeutic riding offers many other benefits, including:
Physical Benefits
- Improved balance
- Improved strength and range of motion
- Improved coordination
- Improved motor skills and faster reflexes
- Improved respiration and circulation
- Enhanced sensory integration
Educational Benefits
- Greater focus and improved listening skills
- Known to improve remedial reading and science skills
- Development of sequencing, patterning, motor planning skills
- Visual and spatial perception, coordination and differentiation
- Improved hand to eye coordination
Psychological Benefits
- Better Sense of well-being
- Improved self-confidence
- Improved risk-management agility
- Emotional balance, control and self-discipline
Social Benefits
- Interaction with others, animals and nature
- Often develops and nurtures Friendships
- Develop respect for animals and nature
- Improve social skills, one-on-one and in groups
The key to therapeutic riding is the acquisition of riding skills, which in turn develops a meaningful relationship between the horse and rider, that collectively form the rehabilitative process.
“Sitting on a moving horse strengthens core, pelvic, and inner thigh muscles in ways that standard exercise machines cannot,” — Carol Huegel
By working with horses, riders reap far more benefits beyond the physical. A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, found that equine-assisted therapy reduced anxiety and helped tiders to recover more quickly from a traumatic events in their life.
Final Thoughts
The joint effect of physical and emotional work, between an animal and a human being, is deeply meaningful and is known to have healing power.
“Horses are completely honest, with no hidden agendas or hidden fear. They want to be in balance always.” — Kim Hallen
In therapeutic riding, children discover an exhilarating and healthy physical outlet, which develops a sense of self-confidence, self-competence, self-belief and worth, which we all need and aspire to experience.
So what are you waiting for? Jump-on!
Originally published at https://cdsequine.com on January 17, 2022.