Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding

EQUINE THERAPY
Horses are a wonderful medium for relationships and for therapy in a natural environment. Riding therapy has proven to be a highly motivational and enriching therapeutic and educational modality for students to escape their crutches, wheelchairs & disabilities, replacing them with the gentle gait of a well-trained horse.

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Horseback riding for the disabled is recognized as one of the more progressive forms of therapy. It combines instruction in traditional horsemanship skills with concepts of physical therapy, occupational therapy and social/emotional therapies to improve the riders in the following areas:

PHYSICAL BENEFITS
Improved balance, posture & coordination (fine and gross motor skills), faster reflexes, improved motor planning, stretching of tight or spastic muscles, decreased spasticity, increased range of motion, reduction of abnormal movement patterns, improved respiration and circulation, improved appetite and digestion, provides sensory integration, normalization of muscle tone, increased strength & stamina, endurance and relaxation.

MENTAL IMPROVEMENTS
Mental Improvements- strengthens auditory short term memory, improves visual memory, sequencing, patterning and motor-planning, improves math and reading skills, problem solving, spatial relationships, strengthens ability to follow
directions, improved eye-hand coordination

SOCIAL / EMOTIONAL BENEFITS
Social / Emotional Benefits- Provides general sense of well-being, improved self confidence, Increased interest in outside world and interest in ones own life, develops patience, emotional control and self-discipline, Provides sense of normality, improves communication skills, develops courage and a willingness to take risks, social relationships, breaks down barriers, teaches kindness and develops a respect and love for animals.

Goals are thoughtfully developed to foster independence and to provide challenging and educational activities. Input is gathered from parents/guardians, rider, teacher and therapist - an instructor's lesson plan may include a wide variety of games and exercises designed to increase the rider's ability to listen, learn and communicate. In addition, all riders work on improving their riding skills and a willingness to try new things and attain goals. There are many opportunities for the whole horse experience such as grooming, leading, tacking etc. Lessons may be held in the indoor arena or outdoor riding arena if whether permits.

It's the rider's ability not disability that determines the volunteer requirement. During the lesson one to four riders may assist the rider. Our volunteers participate in an orientation and experience hands-on training. All volunteers agree and comply with our confidentiality policy.

At the heart of therapeutic riding is teamwork with the horse, rider, therapist, instructor, volunteer and family working together to provide a fun, loving and positive therapeutic environment that cannot be duplicated in a clinical setting. Because of its varied benefits, therapeutic riding has been recognized as a beneficial mode of therapy by the American Physical and Occupational Therapy Associations. The farm environment is relaxing; and the fresh air and exercise is a refreshing change from conventional therapy facilities. The majority of special needs individuals have had much more than their share of doctor visits and stressful therapy sessions. For them, Equest offers the opportunity to use their strengths, improve on their weaknesses and reach their personal and therapeutic goals in a fun, exciting environment. To put it simply - Equest provides therapy disguised as fun!