So, Why Horse Riding?

The basic principles:

The horse is the therapist. The walking horse produces approximately 100 movements in three dimensions in one minute. The rider needs to react positively to the movement in order to stay in balance. Therefore the beginning of any progress in riding is the development of a balanced, independent seat at a walk.

Fun at RDA

In order to obtain the full benefit of this movement, the correct position of the pelvis [hips] and an even weight distribution over the seat bones is important. This means that the spine will be correctly ‘stacked’ so the horse’s movement can be properly transferred through the spine. . The normal tone of a muscle produces the right amount of tension in itself to hold, for example, a person upright and allows the mobility required for normal movement.

In most riders’ cases, the problems are related to abnormal muscle tone limiting normal movement. Too much tone [spasticity] leads to difficulty in movement, and not enough tone, as seen in a ‘floppy’ child or a person with muscle paralysis, will lead to loss of stability and movement control.

The movement of the horse at walk produces a movement of the rider’s pelvis which closely copies the movement of normal walking. The rider’s balance is being constantly challenged every time either the horse or rider moves.

Florence at Christmas 2007

The characteristics and advantages of riding involve an element of risk as well as self-discipline. Riding provides independence for the rider and gives an opportunity of success. It creates a new and challenging activity for disabled riders, requiring them to develop communication skills both with the horse and with the people related to the riding activity. In succeeding, the disabled rider learns a new skill and improved muscle tone, coordination and posture.