Horseback Riding Therapy

Children improve their physical and mental health one ride at a time

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by Megan Mazurek

Story Created: Aug 15, 2011 at 6:23 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Aug 15, 2011 at 6:23 PM AKDT

       Helping to improve the life of children with disabilities, today (8/15) was the last day for rainbow connection riders who use horseback riding as therapy.

   Therapists say the program helps empower children who are battling cerebral palsy, autism or any neurological disorders.

   One mother says her 9-year-old has improved her movements and riding has helped strengthen her core.  "She gets on this and the horse is her legs," says Lynnette Walker, a therapeutic horseback riding mother. "It takes her places lets her feel strong and powerful and wears her out also there's some real physical benefits from being on the horse."

     Instructors say riding a horse uses the same movement as walking and helps handicap riders become independent.
     
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