These are some of the disabilities
helped by therapeutic horsemanship:
• ADD or other Hyperactivity Disorder
• Amputation • At risk-youth
• Attention deficit disorder
• Autism & Asbergers
• Cerebral palsy • Depression & Grief
• Developmental delayed
• Down syndrome
• Emotional & behavioral disorders
• Family counseling • Learning disabilities
• Muscular dystrophy • Multiple sclerosis
• Paralysis
* Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Reactive attachment disorder
• Spina bifida • Spinal cord injury
• Strokes
• Substance addiction and abuse
• Terminal illness
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Visual and auditory impairment
• Weight Control Disorders
Horses are natural therapy tools. Their walking gait almost perfectly simulates the movement of a person's pelvis when walking on two healthy legs. During a therapeutic riding session, the therapist directs the horse's movements to stimulate specific neuromuscular reactions. This action relaxes and stimulates unused muscles, builds muscle tone, and improves balance, coordination and joint mobility. This mobility is therapeutic for almost every type of disability. In the case of mental or emotional disorders and victims of trauma, the process of learning to ride is used to improve social skills, concentration, increase confidence, patience and build self esteem.
