Guide to Therapeutic Horse Riding for Disabled and Disadvantaged Youth

One girl sits on top of a horse circling around the small arena ring. An ear to ear grin is spread across her face. Her parents on the sidelines are crying. But this time they are finally able to cry tears of joy. As their daughter circles around them, they let the momentous occasion sink in. There daughter is finally smiling--something the doctors told them they would never see her do.

What is Therapeutic Horse Riding?

There are two types of Therapeutic Horse Riding available. One is available for children, adults, seniors, and teens with qualifying physical and mental disabilities. Often, there are programs set up for this type of therapy at local equestrian centers or ranches, or where horse riding lessons are given. Instructors are given special training in the needs of those with disabilities, and are given special training in teaching those with disabilities, therapy exercises and horse riding.

The other kind of Therapeutic Horse Riding is for disadvantaged youth. These types of ranches are available for teens who are struggling in school, or who may not be responding to more traditional therapies. These schools have grown more popular recently as an alternative to military and boarding schools.

Are There Real Benefits to These Programs?

Yes! For those with mental and physical disabilities, a horses gait very closely mimics a human walking. In this way, the rider is able to improve physically with better spinal and pelvic posture, improve respiratory circulation, decreased muscle spasms and gain increased range of motion in the joints. Some of the mental and social benefits of therapeutic horse back riding include developing patience, learning self-discipline, improving hand-eye coordination, and learning sequencing.

For disadvantaged youth, the benefits to these programs include learning honesty, hard work, responsibility, and compassion. These schools offer shorter term stays and more effective intervention over traditional boarding and military schools.

What Types of Disabilities Qualify?