Who it Benefits
Individuals with almost any cognitive,
physical and/or emotional disability can benefit from therapeutic
riding, driving, vaulting, competition or other purposeful,
safe and supervised interaction with equines.
Individuals with the following
disabilities commonly participate and benefit from equine facilitated
therapy and activities:
Muscular
Dystrophy
Cerebral Palsy
Visual Impairment
Down Syndrome
Developmental Delay
Autism
Multiple Sclerosis
Spina Bifida
Emotional Disabilities
Brain Injuries
Spinal Cord Injuries
Amputations
Learning Disabilities
Attention Deficit Disorder
Deafness
Cardiovascular accident/Stroke
PTSD
Therapeutic riding is recognized
as an innovative, effective complementary treatment for persons
with disabilities. Learning to work as part of a team
with their horse, riders at CHAPS develop self confidence, responsibility,
and appropriate social skills. The nurturing relationship
developed between riders, horses, Therapy Instructors and volunteers
has many benefits:
- Improved coordination,
range of motion, core strength, posture, ambulation, balance,
stamina and overall physical fitness
- Learning new skills
and overcoming challenges improve riders' self worth and
feeling of accomplishment
- The emotional benefits
of having an equine partner that is willing to accept the
rider as is and a support staff that understands each rider's
personal challenges is important to each rider's well being
Individual lesson plans target goals
identified by each rider's caregivers and support teams, including
medical, education and therapy professionals. CHAPS staff
is in contact with each rider's support team to develop individual
plans of action that complement goals and therapies that are
already in place.
How It Works
Because horseback riding gently
and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar
to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show
improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength.
For individuals with mental
or emotional disabilities, the unique relationship formed
with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience
and self-esteem.
