The Impact of Therapeutic Riding

PHYSICAL IMPACT

• Strengthens weak, atrophied or unused muscles
• Relaxes tight, spastic and rigid muscles
• Normalizes muscle tone
• Increases flexibility
• Assists in acquiring balance and normal "righting" patterns
• Moves pelvis, hips and torso in a "normal" walking pattern
• Improves posture
• Increases blood/oxygen flow to all areas; including heart & brain
• Increases lung capacity; thereby improving speech
• Increases neural & proprioceptive input
• Improves fine & gross motor coordination
• Increases endorphin & seratonin levels in the brain

COGNITIVE IMPACT

• Improves body awareness & spatial relationships
• Improves hand/eye coordination
• Improves sensory integration skills
• Improves fine & gross motor planning & skills
• Improves decision making through natural consequences

PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT

• Improves self worth & self-esteem
• Improves relationships
• Improves independence
• Improves social awareness
• Reinforces proper social skills
• Improves "team" playing
• Provides empowerment