Therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities provides benefits beyond the obvious physical effects of improved strength and flexibility. Grooming and caring for a horse may help a child with autism form a meaningful connection with another being. It also provides a one-of-a-kind experience that can become a source of pride as well as a topic for discussions with family members and friends. The effects of therapeutic riding range across the physical, mental and social spectrum of well-being.
Physical Benefits
Jane Kellerman, one of the first certified handicapped riding instructors in the United States, uses therapeutic riding for individuals who rely upon a walker. Learning to ride two-point, or leaning forward with the body balanced upon their legs, helps them sit and stand in everyday situations. An individual with a weak arm uses training to increase her trunk strength and her ability to bear weight on her weak side. A study on therapeutic riding published by Steven Elliott, et al., in the spring 2008 issue of the "American Journal of Recreation Therapy" reports that physical therapy conducted on a horse, such as stretching or other range-of-motion exercises, may offer more interest and excitement than the same exercises conducted in the home. Balance, strength and endurance are also improved through riding. A reduction of abnormal movements, improved appetite and enhanced respiration are also physical benefits.
Social Benefits
Forming a meaningful connection with a horse is another vital component of therapeutic riding, suggest Elliott et al. Individuals with autism who have trouble relating to their classmates could benefit from learning to communicate with a horse. Building a relationship with the volunteers who work alongside the disabled individuals and their horses is also beneficial, while the activity itself provides a topic of conversation and a means of relating to family members and friends. Developing friendship, trust and teamsmanship are other beneficial social effects.
Mental Benefits
Kellerman reports that individuals with disabilities experience a sense of relaxation that may last for several days after riding, as well as increased happiness during a ride. One of her trainees' goals include enhanced confidence, attention and self-esteem. The swinging gait of a horse can also help calm an autistic individual. Therapeutic riding provides a sense of excitement, fun and anticipation, along with bolstering confidence and self-esteem. Riders may develop patience, self-discipline and a sense of normality.
Other Factors
In the 2008 study, Elliott et al. emphasize the importance of activities other than riding, such as grooming, to provide the individual with a sense of responsibility. In situations where an individual has severe disabilities that prevent him from riding, grooming and caring for a horse may provide similar benefits, such as improved range of motion. Horse riding and interacting with a horse also offer a novel activity that is uniquely their own for individuals who are used to exclusion from activities.
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