 Therapeutic Riding (also known as Equine Assisted Therapy, Equine Assisted Activities, Equine Facilitated Therapy, and Riding for the Disabled) is the use of the horse as a therapy tool to acheive goals including cognitive, physical, emotional, social, educational and behavioral goals. Using
the horse as therapy goes back many centuries. Today, therapeutic
riding is practiced in most countries in the world. In the U.S, The North
American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) puts forward standards in the industry that incorporates therapy, education,
sport, and recreation/leisure activities. The horse is an effective therapy tool, because the horse’s movement simulates a
normal human gait. This gentle rhythmic
movement helps improve balance, muscle control and tone, motor
development and coordination, balance, posture, strength and overall body
awareness. For many riders, horseback therapy is the first time in their lives that they can
experience the freedom and joy of independent movement. Therapeutic riding offers a motivational opportunity to improve attention span, concentration, memory, and language skill development. The positive horse and human interaction can result in a greater sense of teamwork, self-esteem, responsibility and communication. Therapeutic riding is goal oriented and consists of activities that may include grooming, tacking, stable management, individual exercises, riding skills and games. Each horse used in the program is picked for their calm, gentle demeanor and willingness to please. Volunteers are vital to therapeutic riding as they are trained to lead the therapy horses and sidewalk beside the horse watching the rider and helping to insure a safe, effective lesson. Therapeutic Riding is helpful to a variety of disabilities such as (but not limited to):
 Below is the an information packet and volunteer handbook for volunteer, students or parents to go over. If you have any trouble opening the file, contact Ann@HelpingHooves.org.
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