What is Equine Therapy

Therapeutic Horse Riding is a multi-area intervention therapy which is used for children and adults with a variety of physical, cognitive, emotional and developmental disabilities.

All interactions involve work on physical, sensory, emotional, neurological, educational and psychosocial goals.  

Through equine therapy we can provide an intense experience that empowers individuals to achieve more than they ever dreamt they were capable of.   

Horses possess a unique blend of gentleness and power, they respond to the individual, regardless of their ability or disability, giving participants a unique therapeutic experience that they cannot experience elsewhere. We focus on building confidence and skills through working with the horses, empowering individuals to gain new skills, increase physical strength and experience a new sense of self, through meaningful activities and interaction with peers, instructors and of course the horses themselves.  

Therapeutic riding has been recognised for decades to improve:

It is also a healthy and fun activity.  The warmth and three dimensional movement of the horse is transmitted through the rider’s body, gradually making it more relaxed and supple, reducing spasms and improving balance, mobility, posture and co-ordination, strengthening muscles throughout a rider’s body, increases circulation and promotes better overall health. Therapeutic Riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait so those with mobility problems discover a new freedom in movement. Motor functions are improved by this unique and enjoyable therapy.

Personalised Equine Sessions

Our Therapeutic Riding sessions are conducted on a one-to-one basis as each person’s needs are different and each session is tailored to meet their individual needs. We have a beautiful sensory trail set in a forested area with stimulation from the sights, sounds, smells and touch of nature. The trail is enhanced with activities for further sensory and motor stimulation. There are side walkers who help to stabilise the person and the horse is matched to the rider’s ability level. We take pride in giving each person the time and attention they deserve. Therapeutic horse riding has been recognised globally as a very successful therapy as well as being a healthy and fun activity. The horses move with a multidimensional rhythmic motion that mimics the human movement of walking. This promotes strength, balance, coordination, flexibility and confidence for riders. Therapeutic riding often has a relaxing and calming effect on people.

Therapeutic horse riding has been used to help people with various areas of difficulty. The type and degree of benefit gained through therapeutic riding differ from person to person based on many factors such as the type and severity of a disability, motivation of the rider and connection between horse and rider.

Proven Benefits of Equine Therapy

School Visits

We can accommodate groups of school children. Children can have a Therapeutic Horseriding session alongside their classmates.

Who can benefit from Therapeutic Riding?

It benefits people of all ages with a range of conditions including Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, learning disabilities, Autism, Down’s Syndrome, mental health challenges, acquired brain injury, and sensory impairments.

Location

Banks of River Moy between Ballina and Killala. Eircode F26 XN47

What is involved in sessions?

There are many elements associated with Therapeutic Riding sessions. Once mounted, the session will include physical exercises to help improve co-ordination, posture and balance. A variety of games and other learning aids are used as part of the sessions – all of which are used to stimulate the physical, cognitive, and emotional development of the child or adult. The exercises are done in a fun and varied way and include many learning aids.

In addition, the Therapeutic Riding Sessions can include our purpose built Sensory Trails which have been specifically designed to provide both sensory stimulation and sensory integration. This also includes a water feature, woodland area, purposefully created mounds, sounds with different surfaces and a variety of therapeutic games. Sessions are provided both in the indoor and outdoor arena and also along the sensory trail. For insurance reasons, children under 4 years have lessons in the indoor arena.

Therapeutic Riding Sessions are facilitated by qualified Therapeutic Riding Coaches.The Therapeutic Riding Session may also include a leader and a side-walker

What to Wear

Whilst we ask that Therapeutic Riders wear riding hats we appreciate that some riders – and in particular very young riders – will find this uncomfortable. Where this is the case, please discuss this with the Therapeutic Riding Coach. We provides a wide range of riding hats which can be borrowed.

We acknowledge that some Therapeutic Riders may live with sensory processing issues and may have their own preferred way of dressing. Track-suit bottoms and leggings are ideal for Therapeutic Riding. When a parent or other person is going to walk alongside the session, the best footwear are closed toe shoes or boots.