dition including: Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down syndrome, head injuries, hearing impaired, visually impaired, multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders, speech and learning disabilities, and sensory integration dysfunction. The physical, mental, and emotional bene- fits of therapeutic horsemanship are numerous. The rhythmic mo- tion and warmth of the horse stimulates and exercises the rider’s muscles, increasing mobility of the pelvis, hip and spine. The rider experiences weight shift, and trunk mobility as if he were walking on his own.


As the horse and rider progress through their different gaits, the rider experiences a wide range of sensory input. At a walk, the rider


benefits from the calming effort of the rhythmic, three-dimension- al movement. As the horse moves to a trot, the rider’s alertness is increased, his posture aligned, and he becomes more aware of his own body. Riders respond to this movement as the lessons, activities, and exercises take place. To encourage speech, identify objects, and sequence multiple tasks, students also participate in games and so- cialize with other students.


If you have a child or you are an adult with development disabilities, there are therapeutic horsemanship programs in your area. For more information on REINS go to http://www.reinsprogram.org/


HORSE & AG MAGAZINE I DECEMBER / JANUARY 2018 7


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