In my opinion, animals improve anyones life. Whether its a dog, cat, ferret, gerbil, pig or any number of other animals people who live alone, senior citizens, shut-ins, the handicapped and families benefit from the presence of animals in their lives. Haven’t we all known this for quite some time?
But did you know that riding horses can be therapeutic for many people? Children that have handicaps or are autistic seem to especially benefit.
I have ridden horses since I was a young girl. But, to tell you the truth, I enjoyed having them around, grooming them and just enjoying their company as much or more than riding. I also just like to watch them because I consider them to be like poetry on four legs. I have spent many happy hours sitting under a tree in a pasture just watching the horses play, graze and interact with each other.
More to the point though, after I had a stroke I became even more enraptured with horses. Riding helps improve balance and coordination. I know this is a fact from personal experience. So I wasn’t surprised when I read this article from the Examiner.com website. I thought I would pass it along to my readers so you can enjoy it, too.
From the article:
There is something about the horse. Beautiful. Rugged. Free spirited. And, therapeutic.
Many children with special needs find bonding, riding and taking care of horses exceedingly therapeutic and may be including in an overall treatment program.
Children with physical disabilities, such as Cerebral Palsy who have difficulties with locomotion, are able to feel the comforting natural rhythm of walking perhaps for the first time. It improves nerve and muscle coordination as well as muscle strength and can prevent further dysfunction caused by lack of muscle and joint use. Stronger muscles help with breathing, sitting upright and speech.
I hope these programs continue and more children and adults can be helped by our horse friends as well as the rest of the animal world. You can read the entire article at the link below as well as see the trailer for the movie The Horse Boy – enjoy!
