Flying Changes Center
for Therapeutic Riding
Benefits of Therapeutic Riding
Physical and emotional connections with the horse heal body, mind and spirit.
Physical Benefits:
- Improved coordination and normalized muscle tone
- Relaxation of spastic muscles/facilitation of flaccid muscles
- Improved posture, sitting and standing balance
- Improved gross and fine motor skills
- Increased functional range of motion and muscular strength
- Improved perceptual motor/sensory motor integration
- Improved cardiovascular function and stamina
Cognitive Benefits:
- Increased vocabulary – application and recall
- Improved attention and concentration
- Improved sequencing and planning skills
- Improved judgment and critical thinking skills
- Improved flexibility in thinking
- Increased verbal integration adn participation
- Increased visual and auditory discrimination
Psycho-Social Benefits:
- Increased self-confidence, self-esteem and self-control
- Mastery of a difficult task
- Increased understanding of consequences/cause and effect
- Increased desire of responsibility
- Improved positive social interactions and teamwork
- Increased ability to appropriately solicit help and act independently
- Increased desire to take risks
- Increased empathy and sense of empowerment
- Interaction with positive role models
- Experience of success in a supportive environment