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The natural movement of the horse has been shown to yield physical improvements in coordination, balance, and posture, as well as a reduction in muscle spasticity (tightness). Therapeutic horseback riding can also provide improvements in attention span, concentration, speech, and learning. Riders can make progress in social and emotional areas as well, areas such as self-confidence, independence, understanding cause and effect, and appropriate interaction with others. Also, the unique relationship, which forms between rider and horse can help to improve interpersonal relationships - all of these benefits while having fun! In addition, therapeutic riding can yield the positive feeling of success, a totally new experience for some. The sight, feel, sounds and smells associated with horses in HHTLC’s country setting provide a multi-sensory experience for our riders, one which can not be duplicated in a traditional clinic setting. |
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Testimonial Emma, our sweet little 6 year old daughter, just loves to ride Caesar. That much anyone can tell from the moment she hits the saddle! And what’s not to love? She gets wonderful input from Caesar’s gait which helps her to understand how her body should move as we work on increasing her ability to walk. She also receives proprioceptive (deep pressure to the joints) input when Caesar trots ~ which is Emma’s favorite thing to do. Each summer Emma’s walking improves when she is riding, of that we are convinced. It can physically be seen in her abilities. In addition to the physical aspects of therapeutic riding, Elaine, her instructor, works on solidifying Emma’s communication system, PECS cards, which requires Emma to pick the “GO” card to make Caesar walk and the “TROT” card to make him trot. Again, a multi-faceted task as it requires her to attend, discriminate, physically select a card and interact with others… all goals in Emma’s development. What we love about it most, as parents, is that Emma is working and doesn’t know it. Every other therapy she knows is therapy, but riding is just fun. We also love that the volunteers who come every week to help Emma and so many other children do it because they love it too. I will never cease to be amazed by the generosity of both the Smiths and all the volunteers who graciously take time out of their lives to make ours better. Awesome, just awesome ~ we are forever grateful. - Lynn Elko |
 Emma riding Caesar at HHTLC |