A child’s basic motor and communication skills can be affected by a variety of disabilities and many parents have had to hear that their child’s abilities and skills will never improve.
In recent years, horses have been found to be useful when included as part of therapy in a child’s treatment program. This is called equine therapy.
Counsellors who have included equine therapy in a child’s treatment have reported dramatic improvements in the child’s abilities. A case has been documented of twin boys diagnosed with cerebral palsy who started walking after three years of equine therapy – against all prognoses!
One should remember though that every child responds to therapy differently and therefore there can be no set time frame for achieving a certain level of improvement. The general consensus amongst those who use the therapy is that it definitely has a positive effect.
Many physically disabled children lack the balance and coordination required to be able to ride a horse. By giving the child a physically enjoyable experience, it inadvertently also assists in developing muscle tone, balance and coordination.
Besides riding horses, the children also learns to groom a horse as it aids them in comprehending the importance of caring for others, whether it be animals or humans.
When the child has a better understanding of how to groom the horse, the therapist can also let them take lead in directing the grooming process which does wonders for the child’s self-confidence.
Some of the disabilities and disorders that have responded favourably to equine therapy include:
• Cerebal palsy
• Downsyndrome
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Spina Bifida
• Spinal cord injuries
• Brain injuries
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Stroke
• Visual impairment
Horse riding is not only beneficial to disabled people, but also to the everyday person. It has been known to increase one’s general mood and reduce stress.
Pop in at one of the following horse trails to get your weekly dose:
• African Horse Company
Offers short outrides and 2 – 10 day overnight trails in Cape Town.
• Berg Trails
Offers a short one or two day overnight trail in the Drakensberg.
• Colin’s Horseback Africa Safaris
Riders have the chance to see game or horseback, outside of Pretoria in Gauteng.
Written by: Marleen Theunissen
