Benefits of Equine Assisted Therapy
Horseback riding for the disabled is recognized as one of the
more progressive forms of therapy. The ability to control a horse
as well as one's own body inspires self-confidence,
responsibility and teamwork. Best of all, it is a thoroughly
enjoyable experience, which creates a special relationship
between rider and horse and promotes personal challenges.
more progressive forms of therapy. The ability to control a horse
as well as one's own body inspires self-confidence,
responsibility and teamwork. Best of all, it is a thoroughly
enjoyable experience, which creates a special relationship
between rider and horse and promotes personal challenges.
- From the beginning, riders learn balance, coordination
and self-assurance while receiving therapeutic muscle
stimulation. - As a result of carefully planned lessons, poise posture,
strength and flexibility improve. - A strong sense of responsibility develops as the rider
learns to take part in the care of the horses and
equipment. - Advanced equestrian skills, teamwork and cooperation
are learned as the rider becomes independent on
horseback. - Classes, horse shows and events encourage
confidence, self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment
as new levels of expertise and new goals are met.
Physical Benefits:
Improved balance: As the horse moves, the rider is constantly thrown off-balance, requiring that the rider's
muscles contract and relax in an attempt to re-balance. This exercise reaches deep muscles not accessible
in conventional physical therapy. The three-dimensional rhythmical movement of the horse is similar to the
motion of walking, teaching rhythmical patterns to the muscles of the legs and trunk. By placing the rider in
different positions on the horse (therapeutic vaulting), we can work different sets of muscles. Stopping and
starting the horse, changing speed and changing direction increase the benefits.
Strengthened muscles: Muscles are strengthened by the increased use involved in riding. Even though
riding is exercise, it is perceived as enjoyment, and therefore the rider has increased tolerance and motivation
to lengthen the period of exercise.
Improved coordination, faster reflexes, and better motor planning: Riding a horse requires a great deal of
coordination in order to get the desired response from the horse. Since the horse provides instant feedback to
every action by the rider, it is easy to know when you have given the correct cue. Repetition of patterned
movements required in controlling a horse quickens the reflexes and aids in motor planning.
Stretching of tight or spastic muscles: Sitting on a horse requires stretching of the adductor muscles of the
thighs. This is accomplished by stretching prior to mounting the horse, and starting the rider off on a narrow
horse, gradually working to wider and wider horses. Gravity helps to stretch the muscles in front of the leg as
the rider sits on the horse without stirrups. Riding with stirrups with heels level or down helps to stretch the
heel cords and calf muscles. Stomach and back muscles are stretched as the rider is encouraged to maintain
an upright posture against the movement of the horse. Arm and hand muscles are stretched as part of routine
exercises on the horse and by the act of holding and using the reins.
Decreased spasticity: Spasticity is reduced by the rhythmic motion of the horse. The warmth of the horse
may aid in relaxation, especially of the legs. Sitting astride a horse helps to break up extensor spasms of the
lower limbs. Holding the reins helps to break flexor spasm patterns of the upper limbs. Many of the
developmental vaulting positions are also designed to break up or reduce spasticity. Fatigue also helps to
decrease spasticity by producing relaxation.
Increased range of motion of the joints: As spasticity is reduced, range of motion increases. Range of
motion is also improved by the act of mounting and dismounting, tacking up, grooming, and exercises during
lessons.
Reduction of abnormal movement patterns: If spasticity is reduced and range of motion increased, it follows
that abnormal movements will be inhibited. Relaxation techniques while riding also help to inhibit abnormal
movement.
Improved respiration and circulation: Although riding is not normally considered a cardiovascular exercise,
trotting and cantering do increase both respiration and circulation.
Improved appetite and digestion: Like all forms of exercise, riding stimulates the appetite. The digestive tract
is also stimulated, increasing the efficiency of digestion.
Sensory integration: Riding stimulates the tactile senses both through touch and environmental stimuli. The
vestibular system is also stimulated by the movement of the horse, changes in direction and speed. The
olfactory system responds to the many smells involved in a stable and ranch environment. Vision is used in
control of the horse. The many sounds of a ranch help to involve the auditory system. All of these senses
work together and are integrated in the act of riding. In addition, proprioceptors (receptors that give information
from our muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints) are activated, resulting in improved proprioception.
Improved balance: As the horse moves, the rider is constantly thrown off-balance, requiring that the rider's
muscles contract and relax in an attempt to re-balance. This exercise reaches deep muscles not accessible
in conventional physical therapy. The three-dimensional rhythmical movement of the horse is similar to the
motion of walking, teaching rhythmical patterns to the muscles of the legs and trunk. By placing the rider in
different positions on the horse (therapeutic vaulting), we can work different sets of muscles. Stopping and
starting the horse, changing speed and changing direction increase the benefits.
Strengthened muscles: Muscles are strengthened by the increased use involved in riding. Even though
riding is exercise, it is perceived as enjoyment, and therefore the rider has increased tolerance and motivation
to lengthen the period of exercise.
Improved coordination, faster reflexes, and better motor planning: Riding a horse requires a great deal of
coordination in order to get the desired response from the horse. Since the horse provides instant feedback to
every action by the rider, it is easy to know when you have given the correct cue. Repetition of patterned
movements required in controlling a horse quickens the reflexes and aids in motor planning.
Stretching of tight or spastic muscles: Sitting on a horse requires stretching of the adductor muscles of the
thighs. This is accomplished by stretching prior to mounting the horse, and starting the rider off on a narrow
horse, gradually working to wider and wider horses. Gravity helps to stretch the muscles in front of the leg as
the rider sits on the horse without stirrups. Riding with stirrups with heels level or down helps to stretch the
heel cords and calf muscles. Stomach and back muscles are stretched as the rider is encouraged to maintain
an upright posture against the movement of the horse. Arm and hand muscles are stretched as part of routine
exercises on the horse and by the act of holding and using the reins.
Decreased spasticity: Spasticity is reduced by the rhythmic motion of the horse. The warmth of the horse
may aid in relaxation, especially of the legs. Sitting astride a horse helps to break up extensor spasms of the
lower limbs. Holding the reins helps to break flexor spasm patterns of the upper limbs. Many of the
developmental vaulting positions are also designed to break up or reduce spasticity. Fatigue also helps to
decrease spasticity by producing relaxation.
Increased range of motion of the joints: As spasticity is reduced, range of motion increases. Range of
motion is also improved by the act of mounting and dismounting, tacking up, grooming, and exercises during
lessons.
Reduction of abnormal movement patterns: If spasticity is reduced and range of motion increased, it follows
that abnormal movements will be inhibited. Relaxation techniques while riding also help to inhibit abnormal
movement.
Improved respiration and circulation: Although riding is not normally considered a cardiovascular exercise,
trotting and cantering do increase both respiration and circulation.
Improved appetite and digestion: Like all forms of exercise, riding stimulates the appetite. The digestive tract
is also stimulated, increasing the efficiency of digestion.
Sensory integration: Riding stimulates the tactile senses both through touch and environmental stimuli. The
vestibular system is also stimulated by the movement of the horse, changes in direction and speed. The
olfactory system responds to the many smells involved in a stable and ranch environment. Vision is used in
control of the horse. The many sounds of a ranch help to involve the auditory system. All of these senses
work together and are integrated in the act of riding. In addition, proprioceptors (receptors that give information
from our muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints) are activated, resulting in improved proprioception.
Psychological Benefits:
General sense of well-being: Exercise in the fresh air of a ranch, away from hospitals, doctors office, therapy
rooms, or home help to promote a sense of well-being.
Improved self-confidence: Confidence is gained by mastering a skill normally performed by able-bodied
people. The ability to control an animal much larger and stronger than oneself is a great confidence builder.
Participating in events such as shows and play days add to the sense of achievement.
Increased interest in the outside world: For those confined by a disability, the world tends to shrink in size.
Riding increases interest in what is happening around the rider, as the rider explores the world from the back
of a horse. Even exercising becomes interesting when done on horseback.
Increased interest in one's own life: The excitement of riding and the experiences involved stimulate the
rider, encouraging the rider to speak and communicate about it.
Improved risk-taking abilities: Riding is a risk sport. The rider learns to master fears though the act of
staying on the horse, as well as attempting new skills and positions on the horse.
Development of patience: Since the horse has a mind of it's own, the rider learns patience as he or she
attempts to perform skills on the horse when the horse is not cooperating. Repetition of basic riding
principles also helps to develop patience.
Emotional control and self-discipline: The rider quickly learns that an out-of-control rider means an
out-of-control horse. Shouting, crying, and emotional outbursts upset the horse, which in turn frightens the
rider. Riders learn to control these emotions and appropriately express them.
Sense of normality: By being able to master a skill considered difficult by the able population, the rider
experiences him/herself as being normal.
Expansion of the locus of control: The rider begins to view him/herself as having control over his/her world
as control over a powerful animal increases.
General sense of well-being: Exercise in the fresh air of a ranch, away from hospitals, doctors office, therapy
rooms, or home help to promote a sense of well-being.
Improved self-confidence: Confidence is gained by mastering a skill normally performed by able-bodied
people. The ability to control an animal much larger and stronger than oneself is a great confidence builder.
Participating in events such as shows and play days add to the sense of achievement.
Increased interest in the outside world: For those confined by a disability, the world tends to shrink in size.
Riding increases interest in what is happening around the rider, as the rider explores the world from the back
of a horse. Even exercising becomes interesting when done on horseback.
Increased interest in one's own life: The excitement of riding and the experiences involved stimulate the
rider, encouraging the rider to speak and communicate about it.
Improved risk-taking abilities: Riding is a risk sport. The rider learns to master fears though the act of
staying on the horse, as well as attempting new skills and positions on the horse.
Development of patience: Since the horse has a mind of it's own, the rider learns patience as he or she
attempts to perform skills on the horse when the horse is not cooperating. Repetition of basic riding
principles also helps to develop patience.
Emotional control and self-discipline: The rider quickly learns that an out-of-control rider means an
out-of-control horse. Shouting, crying, and emotional outbursts upset the horse, which in turn frightens the
rider. Riders learn to control these emotions and appropriately express them.
Sense of normality: By being able to master a skill considered difficult by the able population, the rider
experiences him/herself as being normal.
Expansion of the locus of control: The rider begins to view him/herself as having control over his/her world
as control over a powerful animal increases.
Social Benefits:
Friendship: Although riding can be a solitary activity, it is normally performed in groups. Riders share a
common love of horses and a common experience of riding -- a good foundation on which to build a
friendship.
Development of respect and love for animals: Horses require a great deal of care and attention. Riders
find themselves bonding with the animals. They develop an interest in them and learn to care for them. They
learn to put the needs of the horse first.
Increased experiences: The variety of experiences involved in riding are endless. From tacking and
grooming to trail riding, from going to horse shows to learning the parts of a horse, the rider is constantly
experiencing and growing.
Enjoyment: There is no doubt about it, riding a horse is fun. Riders experience excitement and pleasure
every time they come for a lesson.
Friendship: Although riding can be a solitary activity, it is normally performed in groups. Riders share a
common love of horses and a common experience of riding -- a good foundation on which to build a
friendship.
Development of respect and love for animals: Horses require a great deal of care and attention. Riders
find themselves bonding with the animals. They develop an interest in them and learn to care for them. They
learn to put the needs of the horse first.
Increased experiences: The variety of experiences involved in riding are endless. From tacking and
grooming to trail riding, from going to horse shows to learning the parts of a horse, the rider is constantly
experiencing and growing.
Enjoyment: There is no doubt about it, riding a horse is fun. Riders experience excitement and pleasure
every time they come for a lesson.
Educational Benefits:
Remedial Reading: Before one can read, it is necessary to recognize the difference in shapes, sizes, and
even colors. These can be taught more easily on horseback, as part of games and activities. There is less
resistance to learning when it is part of a riding lesson. Through the use of signs placed around the arena,
letters can be taught, and reading of individual words by word recognition can also be learned. Games
involving signs for "exit", "danger", "stop" etc., help to teach important life skills involving reading.
Remedial Math: Counting is learned by counting the horse's footsteps, objects around the arena, or even
the horse's ears and legs. Number concepts are gained as the rider compares the number of legs on a
horse to the number of his own legs.
Sequencing, patterning and motor planning: Something as simple as holding and using a pencil requires
a great deal of motor planning. Knowing which comes first in a sequence of events is an important part of
most activities. These and other similar skills are taught on horseback though the use of obstacle courses,
pole bending, drill team, and many other games and activities.
Improved eye-hand coordination: Eye hand coordination is necessary for such skills as writing. These
skills are taught in tacking the horse, as well as various activities and exercises.
Visual/spatial perception: This includes our awareness of form and space, and our understanding
relationships between forms in our environment. Included in this area are directionality (knowing right from
left); space perception, which allows us to differentiate between items close in shape but spatially different
(i.e. "h" versus "b"); form perception (i.e. differentiating "h" and "m"); figure ground (picking out an object from
the background); and visual sequential memory (such as remembering symbols in a particular sequence or
pattern). Both reading and math concepts involve visual spatial perception. Visual spatial perception
improves as a natural result of control of the horse. Additional exercises are done on the horse to increase
ability in this area.
Differentiation: The rider learns to differentiate significant from less significant stimuli in the environment.
An improvement in this area occurs as the rider learns to attend to his horse and those things that may
influence the horse as opposed to attending the environment in general.
Remedial Reading: Before one can read, it is necessary to recognize the difference in shapes, sizes, and
even colors. These can be taught more easily on horseback, as part of games and activities. There is less
resistance to learning when it is part of a riding lesson. Through the use of signs placed around the arena,
letters can be taught, and reading of individual words by word recognition can also be learned. Games
involving signs for "exit", "danger", "stop" etc., help to teach important life skills involving reading.
Remedial Math: Counting is learned by counting the horse's footsteps, objects around the arena, or even
the horse's ears and legs. Number concepts are gained as the rider compares the number of legs on a
horse to the number of his own legs.
Sequencing, patterning and motor planning: Something as simple as holding and using a pencil requires
a great deal of motor planning. Knowing which comes first in a sequence of events is an important part of
most activities. These and other similar skills are taught on horseback though the use of obstacle courses,
pole bending, drill team, and many other games and activities.
Improved eye-hand coordination: Eye hand coordination is necessary for such skills as writing. These
skills are taught in tacking the horse, as well as various activities and exercises.
Visual/spatial perception: This includes our awareness of form and space, and our understanding
relationships between forms in our environment. Included in this area are directionality (knowing right from
left); space perception, which allows us to differentiate between items close in shape but spatially different
(i.e. "h" versus "b"); form perception (i.e. differentiating "h" and "m"); figure ground (picking out an object from
the background); and visual sequential memory (such as remembering symbols in a particular sequence or
pattern). Both reading and math concepts involve visual spatial perception. Visual spatial perception
improves as a natural result of control of the horse. Additional exercises are done on the horse to increase
ability in this area.
Differentiation: The rider learns to differentiate significant from less significant stimuli in the environment.
An improvement in this area occurs as the rider learns to attend to his horse and those things that may
influence the horse as opposed to attending the environment in general.
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Stable Life, Inc.
"There is no secret so close as that between a
rider and his horse."
Robert Smith Surtees
rider and his horse."
Robert Smith Surtees