The Beauty of Therapeutic Riding
I was eager to have Maya start therapeutic riding when we found out she had cerebral palsy. Even before her diagnosis, I had heard many wonderful stories about how therapeutic riding was helping children with various disabilities. When she was diagnosed, Maya was about a year old and I was disappointed that she was too young too ride. When we relocated to South Carolina two years later I contacted Happy Hooves Therapeutic Riding Center. Recently, I saw the owner who recounted our first phone conversation and it made us both laugh. I had been so excited to hear that Maya met their age requirement that I had the enthusiasm of a teenager at a rock concert. This may sound strange, and perhaps it is, but I had a good gut feeling about the possibilities of what Maya could experience through riding. As a parent to a child with a physical disability I cherish the few opportunities my daughter has to participate in activities that offer her freedom from being in her wheelchair. Therapeutic riding was, and still is, the only activity I know that offers young children with moderate physical disabilities an opportunity for social, emotional, and physical growth in a natural setting.
Maya has been riding now for almost three years. We have consistently seen improvements in her posture and balance and there is something very beautiful about the relationship between the horse and rider. I find it magical to watch not only Maya, but also other children and young adults with disabilities come alive and look uncharacteristically free sitting upon a horse. In the picture I have chosen for this post, Maya had just started riding. What is incredible to me, our family and her therapists, is that in this picture it is not remotely apparent that Maya has difficulty sitting or maintaining her balance. Her experience on the horse is not always this effortless, but this image and the potential shown within it, will stay with me for years to come. A close friend of mine, whose daughter has a rare genetic syndrome, often shares with people that her child spoke her first word on a horse. She is still profoundly moved by this experience and credits her child’s love of riding with providing the momentum for this huge developmental shift.
I also appreciate the flexibility therapeutic riding offers. If Maya is tired and having difficulty staying upright, her instructor may have her ride backwards (shown below) which uses different muscles, or will have her lie over the top of the horse. Maya loves both alternatives and she still receives input from the horse’s gait when she is lying down. There is no fighting or forcing, or even worries about “using the time efficiently” because there are many opportunities for the child to learn on and off of the horse, including learning to care for it. Rarely is Maya able to participate freely in activities and feel independent but she experiences both with riding. It’s exciting to watch her and to feel her enthusiasm for this activity. We also enjoy the time Maya spends riding. The area surrounding the stables is beautiful and it helps me to clear my head. It gives all of us a refreshing break from the monotony of indoor therapy sessions and doctor visits. And it’s fun for her! 
Initially I had difficulty finding places that offer therapeutic riding. Now that we have been involved with riding for a few years, I have learned about PATH International, which may help you locate a therapeutic riding center near you. We have found therapeutic riding lessons to be very affordable in our area especially when compared with other non-covered treatments and interventions. However, for some families any additional and ongoing costs may be a hardship. In this case, you may wish to look into Hippotherapy which is conducted by a licensed therapy professional such as an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or speech therapist who may be able to bill through your health insurance.
In the “Treatment/Interventions” section of the website we offer more detailed information about the definition of Therapeutic Riding and how if differs from Hippotherapy. We also present an analysis of current research studies that investigate whether therapeutic riding and hippotherapy are effective in treating symptoms associated with cerebral palsy. Click here to be redirected to this area of the “Treatment/Interventions” section of the website.
Fabulous story and photos! My girl started riding at 5 and as we had no programs in our area, we hired a private riding instructor, leased a quiet older mare and just dove in. After 3x a week for 4 months our daughter could write at nearly grade level (prior, she had to have an aid to write for her), due to the amazing improvements in trunk control and arm and shoulder stability. Now at 9.5 she has a fantastic rescue pony and hippo therapist and is riding on her own. Her first trail ride is tomorrow. Horses are her life, and have given her strength and confidence, and freedom! Best thing we ever did!!!
Diane this is an incredible testimony. I wish we could go riding more often. This year Maya participated in a riding camp for several days and the improvement in her ability to sit and maintain her balance were astounding. That is amazing that you created your own program for your daughter. Clearly, it has made a difference in her life! All of the best to you and your family!
Wonderful stories. Therapuetic riding and its benefits should be more highly advertised so the public would be more aware.
Thank you for stopping by Pat. We are grateful to the many motivated volunteers along with Maya’s instructor who have made it possible for her to ride. I do hope more people become aware of how helpful and meaningful therapeutic riding is for people facing all kinds of obstacles.
Bravo Maya … and Mom!
what a great piece! my son is 6 now and has been riding at Lovelane in Lincoln, MA for three years. i laughed at your teen at a rock concert comment – i remember getting the call saying there was an open lesson slot, i felt like i won the lottery!
what a great piece! my son is 6 now and has been riding at Lovelane in Lincoln, MA for three years. i laughed at your teen at a rock concert comment – i remember getting the call saying there was an open lesson slot, i felt like i won the lottery!
HI,
I am new to your blog.
I have been looking into therapeutic riding. Could you give me some info. Do they use special saddles? What age do they start where you are? Any info you have would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Hi Andrea. Per our therapeutic riding instructor the participant has to be at least 3 years of age (this would be if you were attending a PATH certified facility). She also said they have different adaptive equipment depending on the needs of the riders in order to make the ride as effective as possible. Welcome to our site!
Thank you, That information was very helpful 🙂
Great article and nice reference to the information about both therapeutic/adaptive riding and hippotherapy. Currently the PATH guidelines for age indicate that children under 24 months are inappropriate for any mounted activity/intervention. Children 24 months to four years old should be seen by a therapist using the movement of the horse and most children over four years old can participate in therapeutic/adaptive riding.