Horseback and equine therapy programs exist throughout the State of California. Some of these programs specifically are designed for autistic students, while others offer lessons to students with multiple disabilities or disorders. Many of the organizations are non-profit, though some are offered by for-profit private entities.
History
Horseback riding as a form of therapy was documented as early as 600 B.C. By 1875 it was believed to be an aid to people with neurological disorders and by 1950 therapeutic riding was used in England specifically for individuals with disabilities. In the 1960s the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association was created in the United States and it became the primary organization in the nation for therapy related to horses and those with disabilities. Since that time therapeutic riding programs designed for autistic students have been developed across the country, including many in California.
Purpose
The purpose of horseback riding and equine therapy programs for autistic children is to stimulate their senses, aid in their physical development and assist with behavior modification. Horseback riding allows the autistic individual to experience slow, consistent movement as he sits on the horse, and the rhythm of the movement causes the person to concentrate on the motion, which leads to relaxation. Moreover, children with autism that participate in horseback riding and/or equine therapy programs have opportunities to develop their language, social and cognitive skills.
Types
A variety of horseback riding and equine therapy programs exist in California specifically designed for autistic students. For example, the Reins Program in Fallbrook, California is a non-profit organization that relies on volunteers and staff to provide services for autistic children. The program pairs individual instructors with each child for the child's riding session and slowly builds on the child's developmental skills with each lesson.
The Helen Woodward Animal Center, located in Rancho Santa Fe, California, is a no-kill shelter that provides multiple animal services and educational programs for the community. The center's equine riding program for children with developmental disabilities is available for both children and adults and it concentrates on physical, memory, balance, focus and self-esteem development.
The Strides Center, located in Granada Hills, California, is a therapeutic riding organization that serves children and adults, as well as individuals with a variety of disabilities and disorders. Strides coordinates its program with assistance from those in the medical, psychological and education fields and it uses a staff that includes volunteers to provide needed services. Strides also provides a Spanish speaking program for students in Los Angeles and it concentrates on all aspects of development in the lives of its students.
Benefits
The benefits of horseback riding programs for autistic students are evident through individual growth and development. The benefits of the therapy may not be immediately evident, however, as each autistic student in a horseback riding therapy program will progress at his own pace. Yet, autistic students that previously did not want to interact with others often begin to communicate so that they can care for their horses, and students that formerly seemed incapable of concentrating on a particular task often become engrossed in the horse and the activity of riding. In addition, autistic students may build on their physical skills and their confidence to function in their lives.
Considerations
Because each autistic student will have his own specific developmental, physical, emotional or social issues that impact life, therapeutic horseback riding techniques that work for one student may not work with another. For this reason the horseback riding program that you choose should be capable of meeting the autistic individual's needs and/or be designed specifically for the autistic person. In California you have the ability to hire certified and/or licensed instructors for private horseback riding therapy, enrolling the student in group classes, or allowing the student to attend full-time schools where horseback riding therapy is part of the learning environment.
Member Comments