Equine therapy is a physician-prescribed
treatment strategy that is obtaining
astounding results. It utilizes the body heat and the rhythmic, repetitive movement of the horse. These characteristics improve muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, strength, flexibility and cognitive skills. Handicapped patients respond enthusiastically to this enjoyable experience in a natural setting.

Therapists address various therapeutic goals by having patients ride in different positions: sitting or lying forwards, backwards or sideways; standing in the stirrups; and riding without holding. In addition, therapists have patients stretch, reach or play games such as catch while on the horse.

Riding a horse presents constant yet engaging balance and postural challenges. Equine therapy gets results because kids love the experience.

Conditions most often treated by equine therapy include:

Equine therapy has proven to be particularly useful for children with autism, attention deficit disorder (ADD) and bipolar disorders - all of whom may find it difficult to communicate, interact with other people and carry out instructions.

How does equine therapy work? The first stage is to build a bond of trust between the horse and its rider. The children learn to pet the horse and greet it by name. The therapy sessions begin with a slow warmup, just walking quietly in order to allow the child to adjust to the warmth and rhythm of the horse’s movement.

Then a variety of techniques are used to promote the individual goals of each rider. For example, one young man with cerebral palsy practices balance by stretching his arms forward, backward, over his head, etc. Next he plays basketball, shooting hoops from the saddle. This helps with coordination and cognitive skills as well as self-confidence.