Therapeutic Riding
Freedom on Horseback
What is Therapeutic Riding?
Please read this entire page to get ALL the information you will need before making an enquiry to us
A physical, cognitive, or emotional special need does not limit a person from interacting with horses. In fact, such interactions have proven to have major physical and emotional impacts. In short, Therapeutic Riding (TR), is for everyone!
Therapeutic Riding doesn't use the traditional saddle and bridle, we use a roller and pad on the horses back. The rider is lead by a trained leader so they are free to focus on the exercises and on themselves.
All sessions are done at walk, as it mimics the three dimensional walk of us humans and allows the rider's hips and core to move in a stress-free way. So there is no trotting, cantering or jumping. Trotting maybe done however for a few strides for extra vestibular input. During the sessions we play games and go on nature walks to bring in all the benefits and fun of being on horseback.
Individuals of all ages who participate in Therapeutic Riding can experience physical and emotional rewards:
-
Riding a horse moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait, so riders with physical needs often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength.
-
For individuals with emotional challenges, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience, and self-esteem.
-
Partnering with equines also provides recreational opportunities for individuals to enjoy the outdoors as well as take pleasure in the interaction with animals.
What are the Benefits of Therapeutic Riding?
Physical Benefits
Improved balance, strength, range of motion
Improved coordination/motor skills, faster reflex
Improved respiration/circulation
Sensory integration
Psychological Benefits
Sense of well-being
Improved self-confidence
Improved risk-management abilities
Emotional control, self-discipline
Social Benefits
Friendship
Interaction with others, animals, nature
Development of respect for animals
Improved social skills (one-on-one/group)
Educational Benefits
Proven to increase remedial reading, math and science skills
Greater listening skills and focus
Sequencing, patterning, motor planning skills
Visual and spatial perception/differentiation
Improved eye-hand coordination
Our Sessions
Our sessions can be offered in two parts; riding only, or riding and pony care. Our riding sessions are up to 30 minutes per session, and can have an additional 15 minutes added of pony care at the end of the session.
Riding only is €40 per session and riding plus pony care is €45 per session. Our sessions are done on a continuous weekly basis until you feel you need to stop. We will send out forms with out T&C's when you get your place.
We may have a waiting list but we are happy to add you on to it.
Our Waiting List
How our waiting list works for those that are wondering why they maybe be “passed over” for someone else on the list.
We promise we try our best to go in order of those waiting the longest however it is not always possible. Let me explain.
We only have four therapy ponies/horses, each one of them has a limit of what they can carry on their back or their suitability for the rider. As an example, if a new rider has cerebral palsy with tightness in their legs, the pony almost suitable is Domino as his back is narrow. But if Domino is busy (or resting) when a time slot comes free, it would be wrong of us to assign that rider Pablo (he is wide and could cause pain and damage to the rider). The last thing we want is for a rider to be in pain or discomfort while riding with us. Or another example if the rider is a teenager it is unethical for us to put them on our ponies, and if Rosie or Bella aren't available then we will have to go to the next person on the list.
Our goal is to make sure our clients are comfortable and enjoying their time with our ponies and us, while maintaining ethical standards with our ponies and horses. And for the rider to see progress in whatever area they are looking to improve.
We want to keep our waiting list moving, and this won’t happen if we go in strict order, and it isn’t fair to ask existing clients to move time slots to free up ponies. We cannot give times on how long you’ll be waiting, I know this can be frustrating but we have to think of all the factors involved (as we explained above), all we can do is put you on our list and get in contact as soon as a pace becomes free. We hope you can understand and we want to thank every single person on our waiting lists and those that are currently riding with us.