Benefits of Equine-Assisted Therapeutic Riding

Horseback riding has proven therapeutic benefits including increasing strength and flexibility, improving motor skills, promoting speech and cognitive reasoning, and building relationships and social skills.

When riding a horse, the human body moves as if walking, providing a unique natural vehicle for physical therapy. Core strength improves as well as balance, posture, coordination, reflexes, motor skills, and hand-eye coordination.

The excitement of learning to control a thousand-pound horse, something most of their friends can’t do, builds confidence and self-esteem while the growing relationship with the horse teaches patience and compassion.

Friendly competitive activity encourages riders to improve their skills and take on more challenging activities, enhancing their sense of achievement as they overcome obstacles.