Equestrian therapy integrates developmental, cognitive, behavioral and group therapy.

Empowerment is a key component in healing from trauma and victimization. Few things are more empowering than controlling a 1,000 pound animal.

Participants learn to leave their pain and isolation behind while they bond with their horse and other horse people to develop a sense of confidence and affiliation.

Emotional/Psychological

Physical

The rhythmical motion of the horse stimulates all of the rider’s nerves and muscles as well as improves reflexes and balance, and increases strength and stamina.

It utilizes all four quadrants of the brain stimulating motor integration, the brain’s ability to integrate all of its functions.

Fine and gross motor skills are improved tremendously.

Sensory

Riding is a multi-sensory experience. The sounds, the smells, the tactile sensations, the visuals are so rich you can practically taste them all.

Riders with sensory interpretation or integration issues benefit from all of this sensory input by increasing their sensory awareness and decreasing their sensory defensiveness.

Developmental

Children whose neurological systems are not intact struggle with every day tasks that most can do effortlessly. Many of these kids are cognitively on target in bodies that they can’t control.

Horse back riding stimulates neurotransmissions across the midline of their brain which eventually becomes neurological pathways.

Cognitive

Social

Children with learning differences usually don’t interpret information given by auditory or visual modalities. What you tell them or show them doesn’t translate into learning. They learn by doing.

Horses teach kinesthetically. This works out perfectly for individuals who have language impairments, cognitive or developmental delays.

Many people with special needs, especially those who are on the autism spectrum, have difficulty in social situations. They tend to be “in their own worlds” and the capacity to relate to others has to be learned through structured activities. Experiential riding is a perfect setting to teach people cooperation, empathy, turn-taking, the ability to encourage others, sportsmanship, and even that it is alright to lose sometimes. They must learn interacting skills and strategies to get along with others.

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