Safety Rules Behind Therapeutic Riding Therapy
Therapeutic riding shows benefits for both physically and mentally handicapped children and adults. For example, some children may have difficulty walking and not be able to run, but be capable of riding a specially trained horse, giving them a sense of freedom they would otherwise find hard to obtain. Riding can also help individuals with balance and coordination problems. Horses can also aid emotional stability, instill a sense of responsibility and, due to their high responsiveness to body language, help with social interactions.Confused? Here ‘s a little help .
However, horses can also be dangerous and unpredictable. Because of this, therapeutic riding centers work under a lot of safety rules.
First of all, the horses are carefully selected. They are generally older animals, often retired from more intense work. Some are specially trained. For example, a horse may be trained to operate off of voice commands so that they can be ridden independently by a rider unable to use some of the traditional cues.
Additionally, all riders are equipped with certified safety helmets (recommended for all riders, but even more important for the disabled). They are also expected to wear either proper riding boots or solid, closed toed shoes with a slight heel. For some riders, special tack might be used, such as saddles with handles attached to them. Sidewalkers are sometimes used to ‘spot’ a rider, especially very small children and riders with torso weakness and balance issues. At least for initial lessons, a helper leads the horse. Participants are also taught equine safety and tips to avoid being kicked, bitten or stepped on.
Therapeutic riding instructors and volunteers are certified and expected to know equine safety. Centers always have at least one person on hand who is trained in CPR. Most centers do not take children younger than three or four years, as even able-bodied toddlers lack the physical coordination and mental focus to ride safely.