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Benefits

Physical

  • greater strength and agility

  • stretching and strengthening of underused or underdeveloped muscles

  • reduced spasticity

  • improve balance, posture and coordination

  • improve weight-bearing ability

  • improve circulation, respiration, and metabolism

  • improve fine and gross motor skills

  • improve reflexes

  • increase the rider’s awareness of their body in space

  • increase physical fitness and stamina

  • increase range of motion

 

 

Cognitive

  • sequencing

  • hand-eye coordination

  • decision-making

  • following directions

  • listening skills

  • multi-tasking

  • sensory integration

  • left/right discrimination

  • motor planning

  • patterning

  • visual/spatial perception

 

 

Educational

  • through planned play and lessons, riders learn to identify

    • colors

    • numbers

    • shapes

    • animals

  • as well as working on reading, speech and problem solving

Psychological

  • FUN!

  • increase in recreation

  • empowerment

  • social interactions

  • responsibility

  • independence

  • improved self image

  • attention span

  • self-confidence

  • self-discipline

  • risk taking

  • patience

  • trust

  • freedom from wheelchairs and crutches

 

 

Social

  • friendships

  • development of respect for individuals and animals

  • love for animals

  • personal bonds

  • increased experiences

  • enjoyment

  • empathy and respect for others

 

 

 

 

 

The movement of the horse provides strong sensory input in the context of a meaningful, enjoyable activity. (Hippotherapy/Therapeutic Riding) naturally provides an integrated, multi-sensory experience and can also be modified to enhance or decrease certain types of sensory stimulation.

 

 

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