How is therapuetic riding good for a person with disabilities?
Riding, for the person with a disability, is therapuetic in many ways. Gains are found in coordination skills, language, emotional control, social awareness, peer relations, self-concept, improvement of work skills and self-confidence (DePauw, 1986). A study showed that children with learning disabilities showed an increased internal “locus” of control and a positive self-concept when involved in a therapuetic horseback riding (Carlson, 1983). It has been suggested that the excitement of a “risk exercise” leads to a feeling of euphoria and increased mobility, motivation and courage (Rosethal, 1975). We have 3 programs a year each lasting 10 sessions. There are generally 15 to 20 clients in each program. The program also has 6 wonderful and patient horses that are loaned or owned by the program.
