EquiFriends - offering physical and cognitive benefits
Horseback riding is an intrinsically beneficial activity. The three dimensional swinging motion of the horse's gait is a living therapy tool, moving the rider up/down, forward/backward, side-to-side – all helping to wake up, challenge and stimulate muscle and brain activity.
Therapeutic equestrian activities improve and positively promote posture, balance, coordination, strength, flexibility, self-awareness, confidence, concentration and independence, at the same time stimulating muscle, brain and social activity in people who are challenged with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities.
The physical benefits of horseback riding include:
- Improved posture and balance
- Greater muscle tone and strength
- Increased range of motion
- Better hand-eye coordination
- Improved joint mobility
Beyond this, the cognitive benefits include helping participants to advance in:
- Learned skills
- Tactile awareness that stimulates all five senses
- Improved directional application
- Greater task sequencing skills
Riders also experience emotional and social benefits from their therapeutic equestrian activities.