What is the definition of therapeutic riding?

Therapeutic riding is recreational horseback riding lessons adapted to individuals with disabilities. Therapeutic riding is completed by a certified therapeutic horseback riding instructor in conjunction with volunteers.

What is therapeutic horseback riding called?

Abstract. Hippotherapy is a form of physical, occupational and speech therapy in which a therapist uses the characteristic movements of a horse to provide carefully graded motor and sensory input.

What makes a good therapeutic riding horse?

Desired traits include: soundness; three good, clear gaits at the walk, trot and canter; nice temperament; ability to tolerate attention by many people; low flight response; and a height of 14 hands to 16 hands in order to serve children and adult riders.

Why is Therapeutic riding important?

Cognitive – Therapeutic riding offers a motivational opportunity to improve concentration, attention span, memory, communication, decision making, problem solving, sequencing, patience, judgment and insight development.

What is the difference between equine assisted therapy and hippotherapy?

Equine-assisted therapy focuses on addressing mental health, with patients caring for horses in a stable setting. Hippotherapy, on the other hand, is an approach to physical therapy where the patient rides horses in order to address physical health.

Is horse back riding good therapy?

As someone that has ridden horses for years, I can attest that horseback riding is one of the greatest forms of therapy. Not only does it help you improve your physical and mental dexterity, but it also gives you confidence that transfers over into other areas of your life.

How horses help with mental health issues?

This can be a huge benefit when working with those suffering from mental health issues, as being around and working with horses can help the patient to build confidence, communication skills, trust, social skills, impulse control, and also learn boundaries.

Does horseback riding help with depression?

Horses and Mental Health Equine therapy also decreases negative symptoms in adolescents with depression and anxiety. In one study, participants reported feeling less depressed, and having greater psychological wellbeing, immediately after participating in equine therapy, and six months later!

Does horse riding help anxiety?

Mental health benefits The emotional benefits of therapeutic horseback riding have been known to directly help treat those suffering from ADD, anxiety, autism, depression, dementia, and other mental health conditions.

How are horses selected for equine therapy?

Horses, which might be full-size or smaller ponies, are chosen as therapy animals based partially on their ability to withstand a great deal of distraction and tolerate unpredictable or erratic behavior from people riding or grooming them.

Is horse riding good therapy?

Research has confirmed many equine therapy benefits. It lowers your blood pressure and heart rate, alleviates stress and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. Equine therapy also helps people struggling with addictions or mental illness. There are several life skills that horse teaches better than a person.