Therapeutic riding in Leander, Austin TX

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About Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic riding is not new, but new applications have expanded its impact. It has proven to be successful in developing and enhancing physical abilities in addition to uplifting a child's emotional and mental state. During this amazing process, horses help physically and mentally challenged children achieve things that may have seemed impossible.

Therapeutic riding is based on the beneficial movement of the horse. The three-dimensional, rhythmical motion of the horse stimulates and works the muscles of the rider. The horse's gait is almost identical to the human gait and because a horse's walking stride is similar in length and cadence to a human's stride, the pelvic movement mimics the action of walking. This provides vital exercise for riders who cannot walk independently. In addition, the child's efforts to maintain balanced seating while mounted, help to strengthen their trunk and spine.

From the beginning, riders learn balance, coordination and self-assurance while receiving therapeutic muscle stimulation. The result of these carefully planned lessons is a marked improvement in poise, posture, strength and flexibility. Riding sessions challenge the child mentally as well as physically. Children gain the ability to trust again and improve their ability to interact with others. Children with learning disabilities perform better in school. All due to their participation in the therapeutic riding program.

Autistic children make connections and show improvement in their communication skills and ability to concentrate. Children confined to a wheelchair experience a new freedom. The unsure child's confidence builds and often the depression caused by chronic pain is eased. Increased range of motion and muscle tone, improved motor skills better balance, posture and coordination. Dramatic improvements in spatial awareness, self-awareness and self-discipline, and most importantly...increased self-esteem have all been seen as the result of equine therapy.

Becoming a partner with a thousand pound horse offers a tremendous sense of freedom and independence to a disabled child. It promotes feelings of trust and self-worth. In fact, numerous case histories and research articles attest to disabled riders gaining the ability to walk and nonverbal children speaking their first words--all as the result of equine therapy.

Students are encouraged to visit the on-site petting zoo at the conclusion of each session, to continue their multi-sensory therapeutic experience. The zoo is also available to parents and siblings, allowing the entire family to participate.

• Goals and objectives can be addressed and accomplished during a therapy session unique activity. The following are examples of some activities used at Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center. The examples shown are a few that focus on following directions, eye-hand coordination, development of upper body and arm muscle strength and increased stamina.

• Mounting and walking with barbells resting on feet requires a constant position and flexing of the ankles in order to keep the barbell from falling off. It also demands that the rider stays in a balanced and upright position overall.

• Maneuvering the horse between poles laid down on the ground requires positioning of the horse and a good judgment of distance. When asked to place a hoop onto the pole stretching is needed. Handling the hoop may require transferring it from one hand to another therefore enhancing coordination.

• Maneuvering between colored cones requires awareness of distance, directional change, knowledge of right and left and colors. All are incorporated into this exercise.

• Tossing a ball requires balance, eye-hand coordination and a sense of timing. An additional outcome is feeling secure and confident enough to attempt the challenging task while mounted thus enhancing self confidence and self esteem.






Contact: 1020 CR270 Leander, TX 78641 (512) 259-6665 roland4horses@yahoo.com

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