Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of our participants. Sessions are conducted by PATH, Intl. certified instructors and/or licensed therapists to inspire emotional, cognitive, social, and physical growth through interactive and engaging activities with horses.
There are many benefits of Equine Assisted Activities, some of which are listed below.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONING:
The activity of riding closely simulates human gait. The warmth from the horse and the rhythmical motion provides relaxation to spastic muscles. Exercises done on the horse are designed to improve balance, endurance, range of motion, and strength.
INCENTIVE FOR LEARNING AND REALIZING POTENTIAL:
For many participants, the enjoyment derived from this experience will encourage them to attempt new tasks and perhaps discover hidden proficiencies. Other participants may leave this program with a heightened sense of self-awareness and capability. But for all participants, this experience will create an inward challenge allowing the participant to perceive himself or herself more positively and accurately.
AN ATMOSPHERE OF LOVE AND SECURITY:
In the last several years the use of animals in therapy has sharply increased. Experts recognize the significance of the bond formed between man and animal. The participant is taught not only how to ride, but also how to handle and care for the horse. In turn, this large warm friendly animal provides a symbol of strength, stability and friendship for the participant.
SELF ESTEEM:
Learning skills and mastering a task can provide an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment and achievement. This can be an immeasurable benefit to the confidence and self-worth of the participant.
SENSORY BENEFIT:
Sensory processing refers to the brain’s ability to take in, analyze and respond to information from the body’s five senses. The barn environment is a vast set of sensory experiences, including the barn’s noises and smells. A horse is a myriad of varying textures; velvety muzzle, coarse mane, smooth body hair, and hard hooves. Postural responses are facilitated when working on various barn activities including carrying a bucket with grooming tools, bending to brush a horse’s knee, placing the saddle on the horse or riding.
Not all benefits can be derived from riding! HETRA also offers carriage driving and many different types of ground programs. See the benefits of these programs below:
BENEFITS OF GROUND WORK:
Grooming a horse works to improve tactile responses and motor planning skills because of the demand for various senses and skills. The repetitive movement of grooming assists with cognitive retraining. The areas of fine and gross motor function and muscle tone can be influenced by routine participants must follow when grooming or tacking a horse.
BENEFITS OF CARRIAGE DRIVING:
Carriage driving has many physical benefits including improved hand-eye coordination, motor skills, muscular strength, and stability. Cognitive skills include sequencing, and right/left discrimination, spatial and directional awareness.
