Therapeutic riding, also known as adaptive riding or equine-assisted activities, is a form of horseback riding that is tailored to the individual needs and learning styles of children with special needs. Therapeutic riding can offer a range of physical, emotional, and psychological benefits to children with various disabilities and challenges. These can include autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, learning disorder, anxiety disorder, and more.
At Runnin’ WJ Ranch in Texarkana, TX, we understand the value of therapeutic riding. If you have been looking for a way to give your child a more engaging form of therapy, talk to our team about bringing their care out from that stuffy office and into the outdoors!
Physical Advantages Of Therapeutic Riding
There are notable benefits of therapeutic riding for children with special needs. One of the main physical benefits of therapeutic riding is that it improves the rider’s balance and core strength. This is because the horse’s soothing rhythm, warmth, and movement pattern provide healthy exercise, all while stimulating the rider’s muscles and joints.
Riding a horse also helps the rider develop fine motor coordination, sensory integration, spatial awareness, and perceptual skills. For those with wheelchairs or walking aids, this approach can help to expand the child’s capabilities, and riding is fun for all!
Riding Brings Emotional Benefits, As Well
Therapeutic riding can also have a positive impact on the rider’s emotional and psychological well-being. Riding a horse can boost the rider’s self-confidence, self-discipline, self-awareness, and self-esteem. It can also reduce anxiety, encourage interaction, and foster a sense of empowerment.
Even more, therapeutic riding can help to enhance the rider’s cognitive skills, such as attention and memory. The discipline and social interactions involved in working with horses can also benefit the rider’s mind and spirit. Building empathy with another living creature is another way that riding therapy helps.
Does Your Special Needs Child Need A New Environment?
Struggling with your current therapy options? Take some time to learn about how horseback riding can help. Therapeutic riding can be a fun and rewarding activity for children with special needs, helping them to improve their physical, emotional, and psychological health.
If you are looking for a way to support your child’s development and well-being, you may want to consider therapeutic riding as an option. Bringing their therapy out from the office and into a more engaging environment can be a benefit, and it can also be a whole lot of fun.
Find Out More With Runnin’ WJ Ranch!
Therapeutic riding can provide tangible benefits to children with special needs, both emotionally and physically. If you’d like to know more about our PATH International-certified riding center, give us a call at Runnin’ WJ Ranch in Texarkana, TX at (903)838-3223!
