Therapeutic Benefits of Riding Muscular Improvement Riding is particularly beneficial for wheelchair bound students who do not have a natural means of locomotion, as well as the over weight student who may have balance issues due to lack of muscle tone in the torso. It is important to know the horse at a walk has a 3 dimensional gate that duplicates the walk of a person. It breaks the rhythm of spasm, to relax the muscles and gently massage dormant muscles and nerves to renewed health. The result is rebuilt muscle tone, improved coordination, posture and balance.   All students improve their bodies physically. Self Esteem Riding gives a tremendous boost to self- esteem "Wow I can do it!” It is a wonderful feeling that they can do something as well as if not better than someone else. For many this is the first time in their lives they have felt this way. Love and Reassurance The warm fuzzy unconditional friendship of the animals and reassurance of our instructors and volunteers build lasting bonds. Incentive for Learning Students are able to learn to groom, saddle, mount, walk, trot and canter, do all exercising activities, dismounts and cool down the horses before retiring them to their stalls or the pasture. For many, riding becomes the most important part of their lives and their interest in the horses and our animals from the animal education area provide new incentives for learning. Vocabulary increases and they develop a desire to learn more about the animals therefor developing a desire to read more.                   Animal Education Activities We include our rehabilitated rescued animals in educational activities to promote treating others as you would like to be treated.

Why Therapeutic Horseback Riding? The benefits, physical, cognitive, and psychological, are unique to horseback riding. Therapeutic horseback riding is an invaluable supplement to traditional therapies. Psychological and Behavioral Benefits Teaches trust through the rider/horse bond Teaches problem solving skills Teaches communication skills Increases self-confidence and self-discipline Teaches Responsibility Teaches Patience Enhances decision making skills Increases the ability to focus and stay on task Provides an increase in self-esteem and pride Instills a sense of accomplishment. Builds lasting friendships Physical Benefits: Improves balance, posture, and strengthens muscles Improves coordination Improves range of motion Replicates a muscle movement pattern similar to walking Stimulates the vestibular, nervous and circulatory systems

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Contact Us! 317-371-7842 NewHopeTEC@aol.com