In essence what does the 'HORSES MOVEMENT' actually offer the rider?

The horse being said to produce 110 multi-dimensional movement dialogues in just one minute, and because we use over 300 muscles simultaneously, 20 minutes of un-amplified riding is equivalent to 3 hours of physical therapeutic exercise.

Defective movement can only be corrected through pure fluent active movement. Movements are controlled centrally within the brain, but the brain does not store isolated muscle functions, but rather movement sequences and so movement patterns. The horse provided a swinging movement that is natural, consistent and rhythmical, this being on a vertical, horizontal and forward/backward plane as it moves forward through space.

The horse transfers movement patterns to the rider's spine or central nervous system and pelvic region, which duplicate the pattern man typically uses when walking upright. By stimulating dormant motor neutrons, we recreate the correct movement patterns that have been affected. This being an intense form of proprioceptive stimulation and mobilisation to provide neuromuscular facilitation as the riders' seat bones are re-seated.

In this we need to take directional and gravitational forces into account, with us using linear and centrifugal forces, with the rider in different positions to intensify the effect of the horses movement on the riders' vestibular system. This can be with the child laying prone on the horse or even sitting facing sideways or backwards.

With repetitive application of a well-matched equine movement the rider will be able to achieve and maintain a more functional and socially acceptable brain wave frequency.

So therapeutic riding should not to be considered as a therapy method used to merely manage the symptoms and effects of the individuals disability, it should rather be seen as a method to help in the correction of the root cause of the disability. In the correction of a disability one needs to understand that if the patient is still in the physical growth phase, evidence of the progress made by therapeutic riding will in some cases be slow.

However, one must consider that as the child grows the profoundness of the disability will intensify if insufficiently stimulated. Before passing judgement on the progress made or the success achieved by the therapy being applied, objectively consider are the symptoms of the disability at hand remaining consistent or are they regressing and intensifying?

What are the most profoundly noticeable benefits of 'therapeutic horse riding' - In-short?

Before we look at the specific benefits, we need to remember that the horse offers a constant, rhythmical, three-dimensional movement that activates the human sensory processes through proprioception of the rider's pelvis while mounted.

In some cases changes may be slow but there is always a definite improvement providing the horses movement is applied correctly within a regular routine.

Physical Benefits:

• Joint mobility.
• Reflex inhibiting position stimulation.
• General health is improved, especially cardiovascular function.
• Muscle tone & Posture control.
• Gross and fine motor co-ordination.
• Development of the lumbar curve.
• Balance & Equilibrium reactions.
• Physical fitness and endurance.

Psychological Benefits:

• Self-confidence and self-esteem.
• Motivation, patience and self-discipline.
• Value of safety rules.

Educational Benefits:

• Concentration.
• Communication.

• Integration of both brain hemispheres.
• Vision and Visual spatial perception.
• Tactile Stimulation.

Social Benefits:

• Sense of independence.
• Social interaction.
• The horse becomes a true friend.

Benefits of Movement Frequency

Can the horses' movement frequency be altered to provide a specific benefit?

When matching the movement frequency of the horse or pony to the rider we have two main considerations, these being the riders brain wave frequency and where possible the rider must be matched to the horses' stature and footfall.

The temperament and frequency of the movement used is specifically important when being applied to hypo-active or hyper-active children, additionally the size and conformation of the horse are just as important when working with children with cerebral palsy or those suffering the ill effects of an accident etc.

Gravitational forces also play a part while riding, with centrifugal forces being more difficult to ride for the novice rider than linear movement - which is why our novice lessons are done on a lead rein with our leaders in control of the horse being used instead of working with the horse on the lunge.

When applying this form of therapy, the following considerations are to be taken into account:

This form of therapy is rather felt than seen, so careful attention needs to be paid to the riders' fitness and endurance, because over stimulation may lead to vomiting, loss of swallowing reflex's or fatigue and a drop in the efficiency in their immune system.

It is a highly effective therapeutic strategy if it is applied consistently and on a semi-long-term basis, to the patient, from as young an age as possible.

In promoting the psychological development of the rider we encourage the rider to verbalise while riding, this allows the rider to achieve a 'Beta Brain' wave frequency, which is important when concentration is needed.