Therapeutic riding helps students become healthier as it increases balance, muscle control and strength. Horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the human body in a manner similar to the human walking gait thereby providing the upper and lower body sensation and mental image of walking. It stimulates passive exercise, which increases cardiovascular, muscular and respiratory strength.

 

Activities such as grooming, identifying parts of tack, maneuvering through an obstacle course or learning a simple dressage pattern provide opportunities for problem solving, sequencing, impulse control, increased concentration and patience.

 

Students can also improve social skills and personal relationships. As a social creature, the horse will readily bond with humans with no pre-judgment. In this unique relationship, trust and communication can be developed.

 

All riders can benefit from an increase in self confidence derived by the challenge and exhilaration of riding.