Horses! An Effective Therapy Tool?
These city slickers knew nothing about horses! I researched the benefits of horse riding for children with cerebral palsy, but it wasn't until Dr Park from St Louis Children's Hospital recommended it, that I jumped into action!
Healing Horses, Inc
Healing Horses, Inc
We are extremely fortunate to have a therapeutic riding center right here in Dyersburg! Healing Horses, Incis a non profit organization founded by Sonya Burks. Sonya is a dynamic mix of corporate banker and cowgirl! She founded Healing Horses in 2012 after a close friend, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, wanted to learn how to ride a horse. Her friend's doctor suggested that she participate in Equine Assisted Therapy to help her manage her condition.
Sonya wanted to help others with disabilities harness the healing power of the human - horse connection. This lead to herPATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) certification and forming Healing Horses, Inc. which is run by a dedicated Board of Directors and volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to this amazing ministry.
Healing Horses, Inc
Who benefits from Therapeutic Horsemanship?
Adults or children with medical conditions ranging from: Autism, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Stroke, Emotional and Mental Health Diagnosis.
What are the benefits if Therapeutic Horsemanship?
In Kellan's case, the three dimensional rotation of the horse mimics human gait. This sensory feedback helps his trunk develop postural control, balance and strength as he unknowingly adjusts his core to keep in sync with Dakota, a sweet tempered American Paint Horse. This is Therapy at it's best. Therapy that is fun. Therapy that has you working without you even knowing it.
Yes, horse riding has improved his mobility but it also helped with his lung volume control and speech production. It gives him a sense of confidence. It gets him outdoors and to the Barn and wires him for a different experience outside the neuro typical, school and home environment.
Now that's what I call an effective therapy tool. Horses provide one tool to rein in motor, sensory and cognitive development to help your child move upward. Check out how Tenley loves to rodeo in another blog on this page. Happy Riding!