Therapeutic riding lessons are provided under the direction of a PATH Int’l. Certified therapeutic riding instructor. Colorado HorsePower’s therapeutic riding program teaches adapted horseback riding skills. Our activities are tailored to each student’s abilities, educational, physical, social, and over-all goals. Our instructors also include a variety of fun and educational games and activities that enhance each lesson experience.
Horseback riding rhythmically moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to the movement created when walking. For individuals who are unable to walk or have difficulty walking, therapeutic riding can provide the same physical and neurological stimulation that walking would normally provide. The horse-human bond that is created during lessons, and the social interactions and group participation that our riders experience are beneficial for cognitive growth.
Therapeutic riding is usually done in groups of 2-3 riders, (although private lessons are available). The riding instructor will provide occasional hands-on assistance when needed but generally teaches from the center of the riding arena. Volunteers assist riders who are unable to independently control their horses by leading the horse and/or by side-walking alongside those who are unable to stay safely mounted by themselves. The primary goal of therapeutic riding is to learn riding and horsemanship skills. However, as the movement of the horse is inherently therapeutic, riders frequently enjoy secondary benefits such as increased postural control, balance, strength, speech, etc. For more information on therapeutic riding refer to www.PATHIntl.org.
