I found this website called Ride to Walk that gave quite a bit of information on horseback riding. It stresses that their program enhances the lives of children and young adults with neurological disabilities by providing innovative therapeutic horseback riding activities that are recreational in nature and adapted to the individual’s needs and disabilities. Ride To Walk received non-profit status in 1988 and is North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) certified. We serve children with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, attention deficit disorder, head trauma and sensory processing challenges.
You might ask yourself who can ride? Well everyone can ride! A few examples of different populations are listed below.
- Autism
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Spina Bifida
- Post Polio Speech Impairments
- Brain Injuries
The benefits of horseback riding are as numerous as the types of disabilities and conditions served. Research shows that students who participate in therapeutic riding can experience physical, emotional and mental rewards. Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength.
When it comes to equipment, this website did not state any special equipment that you would have to purchase beforehand. As a beginner the facility would be able to provide the equipment that would be needed. However, if you were to get really interested in it, you may want to purchase your own equipment that you would need (helmets and other safety gear).
Click here to learn more about Ride To Walk
Here is another link about therapeutic horseback riding that I found was informative as well. Check it out!
Riding Unlimited
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