Why Horse Riding? By Sr Chiara
Hatton-Hall
When the horse walks it moves in a three-dimensional pattern
similar to the action of the human pelvis during normal upright
walking; this is very difficult to duplicate in the traditional
clinical setting. The result offers an improved potential for
walking and normal hip development in physically disabled people.
Upper body benefits include improvements in hand/eye coordination,
posture and balance. During riding the trunk muscles are stimulated
by using a variety of movements, allowing speech to come more
easily. Interactivity and play are used to reach children within the
Autism Spectrum, encouraging and rewarding engagement and
reciprocity.
Imagine the joy the rider feels when they are able to leave their
limitations, devices …… outside the arena. The horse is
non-judgmental and gives un-conditional love, the rider becomes
aware they can be mobile and independent and experience true freedom
from their mechanical aids. Riders are able to show off their skills
and not their limitations thereby giving them a great sense of
achievement, emotional growth and learning which leads to greater
self-esteem and self-confidence.
