Therapeutic Riding

Who can Benefit

Individuals with:

Amputations
Development Disabilities
Emotional Disabilities
Spinal Chord Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury
Hearing or Visual Impairment
Muscular Dystrophy
Multiple Sclerosis

Hippotherapy Videos

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3

Benefits of Riding

Hippotherapy

Increases spatial awareness
Increases range of motion
Improves posture
Improves balance & flexibility
Improves fine & gross motor coordination
Decreases spasticity
Strengths & relaxes muscles
Provides sensory integration
Build confidence & self-esteem

.... a unique form of medical therapy for individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities, This modality is performed on horseback, and under the coordinated supervision of a Physical (PT), Occupational (OT) or Speech Therapist who is trained and certified in Hippotherapy. Hippotheraph provides the rider with benefits similar to those of clinic-based therapy but in the fun, creative, safe and effective atmosphere of a riding arena

How It Works:

The horse's gate simulates the natural rhythmic gate of an able-bodied person
When astride the horse, a rider with a disability is receiving the same physical stimulus that able- body people receive from walking.
Movement and warmth of the horse help improve the rider's range of motion and muscle tone.
Opportunities for improvement in the rider's emotional well-being and social skills are provided through the relationship that develops between horse and rider.

Recreational Riding

Why Horses

Riders of varying abilities are able to achieve appropriate levels of independence in their personal horsemanship and equestrian skills under the direct supervision of a NARHA Certified Riding Instructor. While the primary goal is not medical therapy, the rider is still receiving the added benefit of the therapeutic rhythm of the horse's gait. In Recreational riding the primary focus is teaching the rider horsemanship and riding skills. This process provides the rider with numerous opportunities for personal enrichment in areas such as:

social skills
decision making
responsibility
communication
self confidence
sequencing
cause and effect
balance and strength

Consider the age-old love between mankind and the horse. Ponder the majesty and beauty with which God has graced this animal Think of the therapeutic value of the horse's rhythmic gait, its dynamic presence, gentile personality, and communal nature. Together, these qualities create a unique form of therapy and/or recreation that rivals any office setting.

Now, imagine providing this for those individuals who-due to cognitive, physical or emotional impairments cannot participate in horse riding lessons at the local riding stable or those who could benefit from the experiential life lessons found in the equine setting. That is the very essence of the Equine Assisted Activites at the Double D Ranch TRC.

The key element is the Horse. The horse provides physical, mental and emotional stimulation.

For the rider with disabilities, the horse becomes a fun, living, breathing friend and partner in therapy.

The horse works well for those with emotional or behavioral difficulties and youth-at-risk because there are numerous personal and social analogies that can be explored while watching horses in a heard.

When someone asks, "Why the horse?" We say "Why not the horse?!"

Double D Ranch TRC is Proud to be affiliated with NARHA-North American Riding for the Handicapped Assoc.