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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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Testimonials | ||
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 Emma riding Caesar at HHTLC 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 |
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 Kara riding Caesar at HHTLC Our 9 year old daughter, Kara has benefited from therapeutic horseback riding in several ways. She loves animals and is very motivated to spend precious time riding Caesar. She only verbalizes a few words but manages to speak the command “On” in her own way to get Caesar moving. Her posture is amazing while riding the horse and her core body muscles have become stronger with each riding session. The muscle tone in her legs has gotten stronger and it has been exciting to see Kara begin scooting around on the floor as a method of independent movement, something she stopped doing when she was about 2 years old. She is also able to take steps with a great deal of assistance as her legs continue to get stronger. She recently began nodding her head “yes” and “no” as a way to communicate which is another new skill that we feel we can attribute to her riding success. Most of all, she is very proud when we share the fun stories of each lesson with her family and friends. The volunteers that help make this happen are extremely patient and caring and share in the enthusiasm of each of the kids. We are grateful for this opportunity for Kara and will continue this amazing therapy that is so much fun. - Katrina and Frank Cwitkowitz |
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 Jessica shows off the prize and ribbon she won riding Willie in an H.H.T.L.C fun show |
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We enrolled Jessica in Head Start, and they went on a field trip to H.H.T.L.C. We had never heard of equine therapy, so we decided to go with her. We weren't sure what to expect or how she would react to all the sights, sounds, people, and of course the horses. Jessica was nervous at first, but once she got in the saddle and started moving, she loved it!! It was a great day, and we enrolled her in the riding program right away. After her first 8 week session, Jessica was walking much better and for longer distances. By the end of her third session at H.H.T.L.C., she was running!! Her fine motor skills improved also, and because of the combination of therapies during lessons she has improved in multiple areas. The interaction with all the volunteers, parents, and other riders also has helped with Jessica's social skills. The volunteers are fantastic, very patient and caring. They share in the excitement as Jessica learns new things and they encourage her to keep trying. Harvey and Elaine are the Best! They work with each child to make sure they get the most beneficial therapy, tailored to their unique needs. We really can't express how much they have helped our daughter. Jessica loves to tell everyone about her horse, "Willie". It's great when she has such a good time that she doesn't realize she's doing therapy. We encourage everyone to call H.H.T.L.C. And find out for themselves the benefits of such a wonderful program. - Carol and Bill Boyle |