Introduction: Horsemanship starts from the ground up before climbing into the saddle.
Healing Hands Horsemanship offers horse care and horse riding activities for all ages and abilities at an affordable rate.
For an individual living with a disability, the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding means much more than sitting on a horse. There are numerous benefits for children and adults with a disability. Listed are some of the known benefits of interacting with horses:
1. Increase of fine motor skills: Fine motor skills are increased when the student uses his/her small muscle movements, (Example: working to increase dexterity in fingers). From selecting reins, fastening snaps and buckles and adjusting how the reins are held can all increase a students fine motor skills.
2. Increases in gross motor skills: Gross motor skills are the ability to move large muscle groups (Example: this is essential for walking, running and standing). Some basic activities include: getting on and off the horse, posting (rising and sitting to the rhythm of the horses gait at differing speeds.
3. Core strength improvements: Horses have a three-dimensional movement that is unique and unable to be replicated in any other way. While the horse moves forward, it also sways side-to-side. When a student is properly seated on the horse, this movement causes the student to involuntarily use many more core muscles than they typically would when walking or sitting on their own.
4. Balance and coordination: Sitting up straight and even on the horse, keeping your feet in the stirrups, properly holding reins, steering your horse and posting in the saddle, increases the balancing core muscles of the body and stimulates the brain.
This is a true test of balance and coordination. Students who participate will benefit from the therapeutic aspects of horseback riding will be able to improve on all these skills while enjoying time with their favorite horse.
5. Social skills:Throughout a riding lesson, each student will have the opportunity to be engaged in conversation that encourages the social skills, listening and language needs. The horse also provides social interaction, since students will be asked to respect their horse and praise its good behavior during a lesson.
6. Sensory integration: While enjoying riding, students with sensory sensitivities can be slowly introduced to various textures, sounds, smells and sights. Horseback riding programs integrate various items, as well as activities, that promote and encourage positive sensory interactions.
