For parents in East Texas who may be looking for alternative therapies for your children, you may have never thought of the use of horse riding sessions. Sometimes for us adults, it can be difficult for us to see the benefit of enjoyable activities. We feel that work shouldn’t be fun, and therapy of any sort has to be a chore.
But the connection between your child and animal can be an incredible help in a wide variety of ways. If you are looking for a creative, yet proven way to address cognitive, behavioral, or emotional challenges, this may be a physical way that works for you! Today, your Equine Assisted Services team explains just some of the many ways that our therapy may bring a whole new avenue to your growth!
Individual Goals
Our team works with children as young as four years of age in a fun, calming experience. Our goal is to build independent skills that are transferrable to the daily tasks of life. This has benefits in cognition, but also in behavior and emotional struggles. Runnin WJ Ranch is a Christian 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is in its 21st year of operation. We’ve seen a lot of the good that can come from these interactions!
Our PATH International-certified therapeutic riding instructors lead your child through a group class, while allowing for the building of independent goals. These goals are patient-specific, and are intended to be attainable, while also expanding areas of comfort.
Group Advantages
This process has many benefits and our knowledge of them is expanding every day. For our patients with physical limitations, the gentle motion of a horse is similar to a natural human gait. This can help to develop core strength and improve balance control.
Emotionally, working with animals has shown to develop a sense of patience and understanding that other forms of therapy simply cannot meet. This alternative therapy can also spur leadership qualities. Within the group, roles naturally emerge and fostering these relationships is a lot of fun! And by being close to animals, the kids can learn that they are responsible for their actions around the animal, as well as for the wellbeing of another creature.
Help Foster A Positive Self-Image
Therapeutic riding provides a platform where your child can feel great about themselves. We know that we find success when people grow and they don’t even notice it. This social interaction can boost confidence that they didn’t even know they had! Call us today at 903-838-3223 to learn more about how Runnin WJ Ranch in Texarkana, TX can help you and your child!
