Therapeutic Horseback Riding - Equine-assisted Activities

Equine-assisted Activities

A therapeutic riding program is often taught by a nationally-certified instructor. In an equine-assisted activity (EAA) program, a certified or specially-trained riding instructor teaches a person with a disability how to ride a horse. However, working with horses can provide more than just riding skills - participants can also learn companionship, responsibility, confidence, leadership, vocational and educational skills, and may offer competition venues in various riding disciplines. Riding a horse provides a unique recreational or leisure activity for many. There are many sports in which the disabled can participate in to enhance their lives and attain social and physical fitness (such as the Special Olympic programs, for people with cognitive disabilities). Hundreds of programs (and many organizations) exist worldwide which are dedicated to horseback riding or horse care in the context of a cognitive or other disability.

A student who interacts with his or her horse may extend this interaction to others and form meaningful relationships with people. Building a relationship with an animal is very rewarding in many respects; for a person with an emotional, social or psychological disability, the trust and loyalty of an animal demonstrates to the student how important he or she is; they may then apply this newly-acquired self-esteem to personal relationships. A horse may also help a person feel in control of his or her situation, since in dealing with horses there is a direct relationship between action and reaction. To learn how to care for (and ride) a horse, a student must also be able to communicate effectively with both horse and instructor. In this way riding is a social activity, but may be less daunting to those uncomfortable in social situations. Riding a horse is also a unique experience, and it helps empower a person, enabling them to connect with others on a personal level. The sometimes-unpredictable nature of animals and situations also creates a real-life environment in which a student can confront his or her fears, and adjust to situations beyond their control. Children with disabilities love having a quiet, peaceful environment, as do horses, so they may teach each other many things.