During a lesson, one, two, or three volunteers, and an instructor can work with a rider in an enclosed ring or stable area for any of several purposes.  Warm up exercises and basic stretching usually begins the class.  The rider may then learn special riding skills (trotting or dressage), care of the horse, parts of a horse, sharing skills, good sportsmanship, independence, or how to saddle a horse with activities incorporated into a lesson.  The lesson could consist of games by horseback, an obstacle course, gymnastic type movements on the back of a horse, or learning to properly guide a horse.  A well-integrated team helps achieve an atmosphere which makes it fun for everyone.  Most of our lessons are held in the indoor arena; however, occasionally we'll take a little break for a stroll across the countryside.

 

Types of Disabilities That Could Benefit From Therapeutic Riding include but are not limited to:

◘ Cerebral Palsy

◘ Learning Disability

◘ ADD

◘ Visual and Hearing Impairment

◘ Autism

◘ Downs Syndrome

◘ Mental Retardation

◘ Orthopedic Conditions

*The primary physician will need to approve and complete a medical form available at the farm.

 

Benefits of Therapeutic Riding:

 

Physical

Improvement of:

* Coordination

* Muscle tone

* Posture, sitting and standing balance

* Gross and fine motor skills

* Perceptual motor/sensory motor integration

* Cardiovascular function and stamina

* Relaxation of spastic muscles/facilitation of

   flaccid muscles

* Increased functional range of motion and

   Muscular strength

 

Cognitive

Increased:

* Vocabulary - application and recall

* Verbal integration and participation

* Visual and auditory discrimination

Improved:

* Attention and concentration

* Sequencing and planning skills

* Judgment and critical thinking skills

* Flexibility in thinking