Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic riding is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of ways in which the horse may be used to influence the physical and psychological well-being of individuals. Therapeutic riding incorporates riding skills, learning sty les, movement, motivation with an equine partner, tasks to promote learning, motor planning, muscle stimulation,  relaxation, breathing, concentration, and fun!

Riding leads to increased self-esteem, balance, coordination, sense of responsibility, control of body and mind, kinesthetic awareness, and the stimulation of muscles that may not be challenged in other activities.

The movement of the horse affects both our sensory and motor systems:

Sensory systems affected	Vestibular Proprioceptive Kinesthetic Visual Tactile
Motor systems affected	Signals to muscles to contract to move the limb or body part Flexibility Balance responses Coordination Strength

For more information about the benefits of therapeutic riding visit the Path International website.

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To pledge a rider in the 2012 ride a long, simply click Donate and put Ride a Long in the "Add special instructions to the seller" textbox on the second page. More information can be found on the Calendar page. Others interested in donating, please use the Donate button to help miracles happen for those with special needs!