A Complete List of Benefits of Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Therapeutic riding is an equine-assisted activity that involves improving the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with special needs. According to studies, therapeutic riding has a wide range of benefits.

In this blog, we've discussed the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding in complete detail.

1. Physical Benefits Improves Balance – As the horse moves forward, the rider is constantly thrown off-balance. This compels the rider to contract her/his balance in an attempt to rebalance. According to expert physiotherapists, this exercise reaches the portions of the muscles that remain inaccessible during conventional therapy. Improves Coordination – Riding a horse requires a great deal of coordination. Obtaining the required response from the horse and controlling it properly requires quick reflexes and planning. Since the horse responds instantly to any action taken by the rider, it's essential for the rider to maintain proper coordination between his reflex actions and motor nerves. Decreases Spasticity – Spasticity in humans can be reduced considerably by the rhythmic motion of the horse. A recent study found out that the warmth of the horse aids in relaxation, especially in the lower parts of the body. The study further added that sitting astride a horse helps break up flexor spasm patterns of the upper limbs and helps reduce spasticity considerably.
   

2. Psychological Benefits Improves Self Confidence – Needless to mention that the ability to control an animal larger and stronger than oneself is a great confidence builder. A study conducted by eminent psychologists revealed that when differently-abled people master a skill normally performed by able-bodied people, their confidence level soars considerably. Increases Interest in Life – For those confined by disability, the world tends to become gloomy. As per a study conducted by eminent psychologists, riding increases interest in all that is happening in the world, as the rider gets a chance to unravel its beauty from the back of a horse. Improves Patience Level – Since horses have a mind of their own, the rider gradually learns to develop patience as she/ he attempts to perform skills on the horse when the horse is not cooperating.
   

3. Social Benefits Helps Build Friendship – Riders share a common love of horses and a common experience of riding. Veteran psychologists believe that horse riding inculcates friendship and builds a bond of trust and friendship among fellow riders.
   

4. Educational Benefits Improves Visual Perception – Therapeutic riding helps improve the visual perception of differently-abled people. This includes awareness of form and space and the understanding of relationships between forms in our environment. A study conducted found out that therapeutic riding also helps them to differentiate between items close in shape but spatially different. Improves Eye-Hand Coordination - Eye-hand coordination is necessary for performing day-to-day activities. These skills are taught in tacking the horse, as well as in performing activities and exercises.

So, here was a list of the benefits of therapeutic riding. However, one must make sure to learn the skills of therapeutic riding only from an expert.