Horse Riding for the Disabled

Horse riding is a great activity for disabled people especially as it is non-weight-bearing which means can be accessed by many different people. Disabilities that can benefit include riders with Autism spectrum disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Palsy, Vascular accident, development delay, Down’s syndrome, learning or language disabilities, Multiple Sclerosis and injuries resulting from an accident [1].

There physical benefits from riding are numerous. It firstly helps strengthen an individual’s core stability, which in turn can reduce spasms and allow better balance, posture and coordination. On top of this the sensory nature of the heat and the movement of the horse are sent through the rider’s body, which can often make them more relaxed. It is well reported the activity can help people retain their mobility for longer. It is often recommended as an activity by medical professionals, including physios and OTs.

A riding session may contain stretches and exercises, plus riding school movements (straight lines, circles, serpentines) and changes of pace (usually halt, walk and trot), this all depends upon the individual and what level they are at as well as what benefits they can derive.

It isn’t just about the physical aspect, there are also recreational and psychological benefits . These include freedom of movement, increased confidence and self-esteem, taking control, decision making, building relationships and improving communication skills

One often ignored aspect is that students get to experience an element of risk. This is a key part of life to learn yet is often denied to disabled people. Taking this measured risk, in a trained environment can create aa sense of achievement that may be impossible elsewhere. 

At the end of the day, not only are the benefits so great, but it is also fun. Not just for the students but for the trained staff, volunteers and families who get to see the student blossom.

My brother with non-verbal Autism rides at an RDA registered centre called Woodside stables. They have made him far more confident (he used to be scared of the horse but now jumps straight on), developed his communication, improved his physique as well as marking him relax. Please consider done orating to the stables, who are struggling for funding during Covid 19 [2].

More about the stables and local donation giving page.

link

https://localgiving.org/charity/woodsidefarmstablesrda/

The stables prefer direct payment as they get to keep full amount

Barclays Bank plc

Sort Code:20-55-62

Account number: 50987549

Account: Woodside Farm Stables Riding for the Disabled 

1. García-Gómez, Andrés, et al. “Effects of a Program of Adapted Therapeutic Horse-riding in a Group of Autism Spectrum Disorder Children.” Electronic Journal of Research in Educational Psychology (2014).
2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10803-013-1773-3