WHAT IS EQUINE RELATED THERAPY? (page 2 of 2)

Many people with special needs become isolated from their peer group.  This leads to difficulties and the build up of habits which exacerbate the original problem.  Some young people reflect the traumas and failures of the past.  Coming together with a group of people who share your interest, with the opportunity to work together in a team for a common purpose forms the basis of learning self-awareness.  People motivated by horses benefit positively from building upon the stimulation they derive from the sight, smell, sound and touch of a horse.  It's easier to see, understand, hear and feel things, from the horse than from other people.  The demands and reactions of the horses used to provide riding therapy make sense and are straightforward.  The consequences of an action or behaviour are honestly reflected by the horse.  Horses do not respond to mixed messages, communication has to be clear and considered.  To be successful with the horse one has to be committed and prepared to complete a task.  He is often the one from whom an individual accepts a message, being delivered without bias.  Mounted sessions in the context of riding therapy enable people to experience situations that it is not possible to experience without the medium of the horse.  The horse has been described as the finest "mood-altering drug".

THE PHYSICAL BENEFITS

The effect of a moving horse on a rider's body provides unparalleled opportunity to improve a range of physical aspects.  Physiotherapists utilise the horse as a unique moving treatment base.  This is often called hippotherapy.  The horse moves naturally in walk and stimulates and synthesises a movement like the human walk.  Activities such as remedial vaulting develop a person's balance, co-ordination, rhythm, spatial concept, agility and confidence to name but a few of the benefits.  Contact with the warmth of the horse enables relaxation for those that find it difficult.

IMPROVED HEALTH AND MOBILITY

Caring for and riding horses involves consistent exercise and working in a healthy environment.  Improved physical fitness leads to clearer thinking and positive self-image.

We believe the Three Year Residential Further Education Through Horsemastership Course operated at The Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy to be unique.  Equine Related Therapy in various forms is practised worldwide.  The Federation of Riding for the Disabled International (FRDI) is the international body that serves as a central forum for providers and practitioners.  The FRDI have a bibliography of information available relating to all aspects of riding therapy and organise regular conferences and meetings.  The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Therapeutic Riding (ACPTR), the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) and the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy are all full members of FRDI and together comprise FRDI (UK).                                           Back