There are sometimes misconceptions about what therapeutic riding is. Is it therapy? Is it a pony ride? The best way to help clear up any misunderstanding is to tell you what therapeutic riding IS.
Therapeutic riding teaches horsemanship skills…
Therapeutic riding, also known as adaptive riding, is an adaptive recreational activity designed for many ages and abilities. The main goal of these lessons is to teach horsemanship skills. Just like in adaptive skiing, the participant is learning how to ski in a way that suits their needs and abilities, therapeutic riding teaches horseback riding and related horsemanship skills.
Therapeutic riding instructors are NOT therapists…
Therapeutic riding instructors are trained and certified in the adaptive sport of therapeutic riding. While they are knowledgeable about different conditions and how horseback riding can benefit them, instructors are NOT practicing therapists.
Therapeutic riding has therapeutic benefits…
Wait… You just told you that instructors are not therapists but now therapeutic riding is therapeutic? Yes! Just like a relaxing walk outside or the scent of lavender can be considered “therapeutic” so can therapeutic riding. Horses, and the equine environment in general, provide a plethora of opportunities for participants to see benefits. Some of these benefits include improvements in:
Balance, posture, and coordination
Muscle tightness
Strength of core muscles necessary for walking
Cognition and motor planning
Vestibular, circulatory, and nervous system functions
Sensory processing skills
SO MANY MORE.
Therapeutic (adaptive) riding is a benefit to so many people in so many walks of life. Because it is considered an adaptive sport, participants get to learn a new, fun, rewarding sport all while seeing therapeutic benefits. The empowering experience of riding a horse is unmatched by any other adaptive sport.