Equestrian Therapy

The benefits of therapeutic riding for rehab patients

Equine-assisted therapy is designed according to each individual's needs and abilities. The equestrian therapist conducts sessions by walking on the ground at the side of the horse and rider. For those requiring an emphasis on balance, core stability, motor planning and coordination, the therapist as well as a riding instructor will walk on either side, stabilizing the patient. As they progress in their recovery, they can move on to more advanced sessions.

How therapeutic riding helps patients physically and mentally:

• Physical. The physical benefits of equestrian therapy are based primarily on the movement of the horse. As the horse walks, the repetitive swinging motion helps to improve an individual's balance, coordination, and strength and muscle tone through their trunk, as well as their legs.
• Cognitive. Equestrian therapy can also aide in improving cognitive processes through the course of learning or relearning riding skills after changes to cognition or attention. Cognitive skills improve because riding requires balance, stability, timing and planning so that the horse can receive accurate messages from the rider.

In addition, activities involved with caring for the horse and stable requires the ability to plan and execute specific tasks.

Horses used for the sessions are chosen for their gentle temperament. The horses then are trained to move smoothly and tolerate the equipment, noise and activity that are part of equestrian therapy.

The equestrian therapists from Bryn Mawr Rehab and the therapeutic riding instructors from Thorncroft are trained to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Sessions are conducted with the help of trained side aides and leaders to create a safe riding environment. Side aides and leaders are often volunteers with riding experience who help to lead horses and to teach stable management after therapeutic riding sessions in addition to assisting with therapy sessions.

Who can benefit from equestrian therapy

Patients with physical and/or cognitive impairments are the best candidates for equine-assisted therapy. Those referred for this therapy are often recovering from a brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, amputation, or have a disorder such as multiple sclerosis, although therapeutic riding is not limited to people with these conditions.

Equestrian therapy has been shown to improve self-esteem and encourage involvement in social activity. Participants often experience a sense of independence and gain confidence from participating in this therapy. After discharge from Bryn Mawr Rehab, patients may choose to continue with instruction and participate in horse shows and other competitions for people with physical and cognitive impairments.

Referrals for equestrian therapy

Referrals for equine-assisted therapy are made by physicians for inpatient or outpatient care or may be recommended by a therapist currently treating patients at Bryn Mawr Rehab.