Therapeutic horseback riding.

The research article discusses the application of therapeutic horseback riding in treating individuals with disabilities. Primarily, it expounds on four distinctive therapeutic methods involving horse riding, each designed to stimulate different mental and physical aspects of the rider.

Historical Context of Therapeutic Riding

• The application of horseback riding as a treatment method dates back to many years ago. This was notably recognized after Madame Liz Hartel of Denmark, a poliomyelitis patient, rehabilitated herself through riding, and subsequently won the silver medal for Grand Prix Dressage at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.
• Following this, organizations such as the Pony Riding for the Disabled Trust in England, the Community Association of Riding for the Disabled in North America, and the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association were established to promote therapeutic riding.

Therapeutic Methods

• Hippotherapy: This method focuses on the horse influencing the rider as opposed to being controlled by them. The horse’s movement stimulates the rider’s pelvis to move in a way closely resembling human walking, thus benefiting the muscular and nervous systems. This form of therapy is usually complemented by physician-prescribed muscle exercises performed on the horse’s back.
• Rehabilitative Riding: Rather than just focusing on riding, this therapeutic approach requires the rider to employ functional horsemanship skills. Goals of this technique extend beyond physical rehabilitation, encompassing improvements in motor skills, and speech/language skills as well.
• Sports Riding: This approach uses horseback riding as a means of social and recreational therapy. Trail riding and Special Olympics are some activities that cater to this aim.
• Developmental Vaulting: Primarily to enhance cognitive, perceptual, and motor skills, this method enables various movement explorations on horseback.