How will horse therapy benefit my child?

Horses offer unique approaches to help kids with disabilities. Here are some of the key benefits:

Emotional Benefits:

• Improved self-esteem and confidence: overcoming challenges, achieving goals, and even getting on a horse is a great way to build a child’s confidence.
• Emotional regulation: the calming presence of horses provides children with a safe and supportive environment to work through emotions like anxiety, stress, anger, and more.
• Enhanced social skills: working with horses and other participants in horse therapy helps children develop social skills and empathy.

Physical Benefits:

• Improved balance and coordination: horses’ rhythmic gait can help children work on their core balance and overall coordination.
• Enhanced muscle strength: horse therapy targets and works different muscles that can improve specific or overall muscular strength.
• Increased mobility: horse therapy can help children improve their range of motion and gait
• Improved sensory processing: children are exposed to different sensory experiences on horseback that improves their tolerance to new stimuli.

Cognitive Benefits:

• Improved focus and concentration: horses can help children develop better focus and self-control during various tasks and drills.
• Enhanced problem-solving abilities: working through tasks on a horse requires problem-solving and quick decision-making skills.
• Improved communication skills: when on a horse, a child is encouraged to actively listen to instructions and communicate effectively when needed.

Learn more in our article Horse Therapy 101.