Some Benefits of Therapeutic Riding, the benefits of therapeutic riding are as many and varied as the riders.  The relationship between human and horse and the bond developed through riding is significant to and will help with the rider's emotional well-being, concentration, self-awareness, emotional control, patience, and confidence. The physical results include muscle relaxation and strength, increase in endurance, stamina, flexibility, and balance. 

Photo:  Camille is a Therapeutic Riding student and in this photo she is riding is SRSC's Challenged Rider class.  She won 1st place.


Benefits:

• Self-discipline and emotional control
• Improve coordination                        
• Develop friendships with staff and other riders
• Sense of well-being                                              
• Range of motion                                                 
• Develop respect for animals                             
• Self-esteem and self-confidence improve      
• Sensory incorporation                        
• Experiences with other people                                                      
• Improve balance                                                 
• Develop love for animals                                                  
• Quicker reflexes                                                                                
• Improve respiration and circulation                                                                               
•  Decrease spasticity                                 
• Strengthen muscles
• Self-discipline and emotional control              
• Strengthen muscles      
• Develop love for animals            
   
   
  AHA Inc. (The American Hippotherapy Association) promotes the use of the movement of the horse as a treatment strategy in physical, occupational and speech therapy sessions for people living with disabilities. Hippotherapy has been shown to improve muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, motor development as well as emotional well-being.
   
  According to the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA), "For individuals with disabilities, equine-assisted activities have been shown to improve muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, motor development as well as emotional well-being." The American Hippotherapy Association web site says: "The horse's walk provides sensory input through movement which is variable, rhythmic and repetitive. The resultant movement responses in the client are similar to human movement patterns of the pelvis while walking…Clients respond enthusiastically to this enjoyable learning experience in a natural setting."