What are the benefits of PATH Therapeutic Riding?
The benefits of equine assisted activities are as numerous as the types of disabilities and conditions that participants present. Research shows that individuals of all ages who participate in equine assisted activities can experience physical, emotional and mental rewards. Many medical professionals, including the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association, recognize the therapeutic qualities of equine assisted activities. Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength. For people with mental or emotional disabilities, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience, self-esteem, concentration and problem-solving abilities. Therapeutic riding also promotes socialization. Instructors, therapists, volunteers, parents and riders get together. Often the social interaction becomes as important as the riding lesson. Friendships are made, acceptable behaviors are reinforced and unacceptable behaviors are discouraged. A human-animal bond develops between riders and their therapy horses as riders discover that the horses are gentle, friendly, accepting, and do not see disabilities.
What does a Therapeutic Riding Class look like?
Class size:
A group therapeutic riding class has 4 or fewer students. A private is usually one student.
During the class:
Each rider is accompanied by 3 trained volunteers. The leader is responsible for managing the horse and 2 side walkers who address the rider's needs to ensure a fun and productive experience.
The instructor is in the ring at all times monitoring each child's riding, directing activities, and ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
Horse:
The horses are experienced school horses trained for therapeutic riding. Each student is matched with a horse that best suits the rider's size, experience, and ability.
Before and after:
if students are able and interested, we encourage them to assist the volunteers with the grooming and tacking of the horses before and after the lesson. Although this requires more time, it greatly enhances the students experience with the horses and teaches them valuable skills in horse care.
Safety, Safety,Safety!
Safety is our number one priority at the Right Step. All riders are required to wear horse-riding helmets (their own or borrowed from the school). Hard-toed shoes or boots are also necessary. The strict protocol for mounting and dismounting the horses is enforced to ensure everyone’s safety. Only riders, volunteers, and the instructor are allowed in the arena during class. All others may watch the lesson from the gate area.
We require parents/guardians to remain on the premises throughout the lesson time.
You can find more information about therapeutic riding at:
