Comments on: Therapeutic Horseback Riding As Autism Treatment

By: Montana Mesothelioma Attorneys handling Asbestos Claims throughout MT

Montana Mesothelioma Attorneys handling Asbestos Claims throughout MT — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:23:00 +0000

[...] Therapeutic Riding Is A Great Autism Treatment. Horses As Therapy … [...]

By: Lizette

Lizette — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:24:54 +0000

I am writing a short story for school and came upon this website. I was wondering if you could give more information about your stables/students. In my short story I am writing about a girl with Autism and getting horse riding treatment. I do not know very much about it.

By: melinda

melinda — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 05:29:36 +0000

does anyone have any info on this in the winter haven Fl. area??? My son is autistic and I would love to get him involved in something like this……. please email me at Melinda@getribboncreative.com

By: Carol

Carol — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:59:52 +0000

I volunteered at a therapeutic riding center for several years where the lead person was a speech therapist. Most of the riders were young children with autism — some very severe. It did have a huge beneficial effect on these children. Most rewarding were the tears of joy from one set of parents when their child spoke for the first time! I did see big improvements in the children and highly recommend it to any parent with an autistic child.

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:41:57 +0000

For anyone who is considering therapeutic riding you will not find anything better. I stumbled across it by luck, and I am so thankful I did. My younger son, age 5, is in love with horses and farm life in general, so when we were at an auction sometime ago I bought him his own pony to get him use to taking care of a horse. What has come of that purchase with my older son, age 7, who is diagnosed with asperger syndrome has been a miracle. We only get to see the horse on the weekends, but I have never seen my son in more control of himself ever since the first time he rode that pony. With every passing week he learns more and more control of himself and how to interact. The joy this pony has brought my family can never be replaced. This relationship with horses has gone way beyond therapy for my son. When ever we are around horses, no matter what type of a mood the horse is in, they stop what they are doing and come up to my son to say hello. I bought a semi-retired thoroughbred for myself. With all of the changes going on around the horse he obviously was very stressed when we got him home. My son with AS walked up to the fence around his stall and the horse calmed right down, walked over to him, and let my son pet him. I get teary just re-living the moment writing about it. My son is already asking when he gets to ride the new horse.

By: Jackie

Jackie — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:44:48 +0000

Cindy,

I just emailed you a list of several accredited facilities and certified instructors that are close to your area. Let me know if you don’t get it for some reason. Hope it helps! And be sure to let me know how it goes if you do manage to get involved somewhere.

By: cindy

cindy — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:43:24 +0000

Are there any locations near or around Columbiana County for children…adults…etc.? Would really like to connect with them.
Thanks….

By: HorseGal

HorseGal — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:05:24 +0000

I am doing a project about this, and I just wanted to say how much this helped me!! Thank you!!

By: Jackie

Jackie — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:00:00 +0000

Gina – Thanks for stopping by and for offering this added insight into the differences between Equine Assisted Activities, Equine Assisted Therapy, and Therapeutic Riding. Based on the definitions you provided, what we do at Pegasus and what I’m generally talking about is definitely therapeutic riding. I apologize if I haven’t been completely clear about that, and will keep it in mind for the future.

Generally when I use the word “therapy” on my blog, I’m referring to the curative power or quality of working with horses – whether it’s for disabled riders or for anyone working with horses. I’m not referring to the treatment of disorders (although that is often a side effect!).I would argue that riding/grooming/caring for/being around horses is therapy in that it improves quality of life, whether it’s a medically sanctioned one or not. I can certainly understand the need for organizations and the medical community to be clear on the services they provide. My intent in examining therapeutic riding and other equine activities is to raise awareness of the benefits of working with horses.

This is certainly an interesting topic and one that needs more attention. I’m going to ruminate on it a little and start a new post for the topic.

While I’m coming from a horsey background, I very much appreciate the input from your medical background.

By: gina taylor

gina taylor — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:57:09 +0000

Hi, I like your blog and your focus on horses. However, I must comment on you writings about therapeutic riding as therapy. Therapeutic riding is not therapy or a form of therapy or a treatment. It appears that you are referring to Equine Assisted Activities; which are defined by NARHA as: Any center activity, mounted or unmounted, where the goal is not therapy but activity driven, i.e. therapeutic riding, grooming and stable management, shows, parades, demonstrations, etc., in which the center’s participants volunteers, instructors and equines are involved. EAA are supervised by a NARHA certified instructor at all centers. NARHA defines Equine Assisted Therapy as: A goal directed intervention in which a specially trained equine is an integral part of the tratment process. EAT is directed and/or provided by a human/health service professional with specific expertise and within the scope of their practice. NARHA defines therapeutic riding as: Mounted activities including traditional riding disciplines or adaptive riding activities conducted by a NARHA certified instructor. Therapeutic riding is not therapy, or a form of physical therapy. Therapeutic riding is a recreational or adaptive riding lesson for persons with disabilities. Careful distinction between these services can help protect riding establishments from lawsuits of fraud. There are many benefits to therapeutic riding as you have described and many riding students learn, grow and progress in therapeutic riding classes. I am glad that you are able to share your experience and hope that you will consider updating your blog and spreading the word about clarity in the Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies fields.If you would like more information feel free to contact me.