Home > Benefits of Therapeutic Riding Therapy

Emotionally / Mentally Challenged - Benefits of Therapeutic Riding

There is a special bond that develops between horse and rider.  This type of bond is what has proven so effective with emotionally and mentally challenged children and adults who have found riding therapy to have a positive impact on their lives.  The feelings of loneliness and depression can be turned around with our hands on approach that makes the rider feel an integral part of the process of caring for the horse.  Knowing and practicing the basic skills of logic, focus and social interaction makes the student feel a series of small victories that carries over to their daily lives.

Within the Sulphur Springs Texas Independent School District there are approximately 530 special needs students.  Depending upon their particular need, many students can benefit from riding therapy.  Shadow Ranch hopes to work hand in hand with the local school district's special needs curriculum to enhance their programs already in place, as well as providing programs for first responders (police, firefighters) and returning veterans who have sustained serious injury and who can benefit from therapeutic riding.

Types of Diagnosis Helped With Therapeutic Riding

Benefits of Therapeutic Riding and Autism

Shadow Ranch Riding Therapy Center works with autistic children to bring them the proven benefits from therapeutic riding therapy.  This therapy has shown to positively impact children who have any type of Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Horses have a rhythmic gait which promotes speech function in autistic children.  Also, there is interaction between the rider, side walkers and most obviously with the horse itself.  This triad promotes social interaction and positively reinforces the child's self worth and sense of accomplishment.  Keeping the same routine, scheduling weekly visits to ride, wearing the same helmet, going through the same motions promotes their organizational skills and teaches them commands over the horse.  Following this same routine, also helps teach the concept of time, starting, riding time and ending.

• Physical Benefits
        - Improves strength and endurance
        - Increases range of motion
        - Improves coordination

• Psychological benefits:
         - Promotes independence and self-control
         - Teaches sequential thinking and spatial awareness
         - Motivates by providing immediate reinforcement for effort
         - Develops pride in new abilities

• Social Benefits
         - Promotes cooperation and interaction
         - Improves listening skills and attention spans
         - Provides opportunities to meet new friends
         - Provides a fun, challenging experience

Have questions? Need help?

To become involved, please contact volunteers@shadowranchtx.com 

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