Heather in Neverland Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Has anyone tried this with their special needs child? Does this work? Or is it hokey? :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 From all I hear it's legit. Balance, confidence?? We've got a little buddy with Downs that loved riding our pony. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1bassoon Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 I can't speak from the side of a parent whose child needed therapy, but my eldest dd volunteered for a program called "Special Equestrians" right in our backyard (almost). She loved it, and said the kids really enjoyed their time on the horses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ibbygirl Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 It is great for Autistic kids. I WISH my son could get it. I have been able to get him on a horse a few times and he really connects with them. It helps him a lot. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyof4ks Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Riding builds up core strength and builds confidence. My dd is not special needs as most describe it, but she has strength issues. Riding helps strengthen her muscles. I have learned that nothing is too 'hokey' to try. If it works, great, if not then try something else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LunaLee Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 dd has volunteered at a therapuetic stable for the last 3 years and has mentioned several times how it helps the kids with balance and such. Some riders have even grown up and graduated to the other side of the horse and now volunteer their time to help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingersmom Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 When my son was very little it was recommended for him. My daughters therapist also volunteers with a group that does it (she also teaches horse back riding, etc). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 No idea, but it reminded me of this book I saw reviewed several times when it came out: http://www.amazon.com/Horse-Boy-Fathers-Quest-Heal/dp/0316008230/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252413734&sr=1-3 Terri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K&Rs Mom Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 I have a friend who did this for his (severely) autistic dd, and he said it was like a miracle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty ethel rackham Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Friends of ours have a son who has an inoperable, but benign, brain tumor which affects his motor abilities. He has been doing equestrian therapy for years and they have found it very helpful. He made much more progress with the hippotherapy than he did with traditional PT and OT. It is helpful on many levels. Motivation is a biggie. The horses and the kids develop a relationship that is amazing. The physicality of riding is excellent developing strength and cooridnation, especially core strength and balance. Our friends can't say enough about it and they have been around the block a few times with unhelpful therapies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christy B Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Well, if it's hokey, count me in for hokey. I can't explain how or why, but a week of equestrian therapy camp did amazing things for my dds. They both had some mild auditory and speech issues; I can't say it addressed either of those issues (it's not like you can practice consonant sounds with a horse) but they came away from the experience with a huge boost in confidence, very calm and centered -- it was something else. I can only imagine the benefits of a long-term arrangement. I think horses are incredible. Any child, special needs or no, would stand to benefit from experience with horses. I would say if you have the opportunity, go for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orthodox6 Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 No experience myself, but I have heard directly from families that have used equestrian therapy, and they were persuaded by the results that it can do wonderful things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted September 8, 2009 Author Share Posted September 8, 2009 Thank you for the awesome feedback! I don't think it would be considered official "therapy" but there are horse stables right down the road where you can get riding lessons for about $12 an hour in USD. The special services director recommended seeing if they would let me son, in addition to riding the horses, come in and learn to care for them as well. They might think we are crazy but if it helps then why not? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmmom4him Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 As a former Nationally ranked equestrian. I can say that I see no reason that it would not be beneficial. For all the reasons already mentioned plus: IT involved right brain left brain coordination Core muscle build up rhythm--you have to connect with the horses rhythm in order to get a "smooth" ride emotionally horses will connect with you. They are expressive creatures, and you can literally "get" that from them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillfarm Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 I volunteered at a horse therapy program when I was young. Our biggest problem was that the riders kept falling in love with the horses and were always buying them from the stable so we had to keep training new ones all the time! The benefits for balance and core muscles is direct and amazing. Confidence is also a big part of it. Imagine the feeling it gives to someone who is so often dependent upon others to be able to be the one in charge of such a large animal! Regarding emotional/behavioral issues, the horses don't play the game. They see through the veneer and respond to the heart of the person. They don't care what you say, what you look like, or what your life circumstances are. They care about how you treat them. It automatically causes the participant to be drawn outside themselves and to project outward. And the horses do communicate back. It is fascinating how much information they can convey nonverbally. In general the therapy was similar to any of the animal based therapy options that use animal contact as a form of novel stimulus. Check out the Delta Society for more information about animal assisted therapy. However, do watch out for well-meaning folks who think all they have to do to set up an equine therapy program is to hang a sign on their paddock rail. The program directors need to be very aware of the special needs of their clients and also to know which horses to use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dayle in Guatemala Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 My autistic nephew does equine therapy and it's been great for him. He's in a public school and has gone from needing a constant helper to being able to do most of the day in a regular classroom without a helper. I know that there's a lot more to it than just equine therapy, but, I see a confidence in him that I didn't see before. It was really obvious this last visit with him. There's just something about animals, isn't there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crissy Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Heather, my husband's family has long been involved with Little Bit Theraputic Riding Center. Their site may be helpful to you. There are a number of links to the different types of therapy, as well as the benefits of theraputic riding. Check the left side bar and start with Benefits, and Programs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 We did therapeutic riding for years---I actually first met my son there. My 13dd started lessons on her 3rd birthday. Now, we have adopted a horse from the therapeutic riding center for my 13dd. He is WONDERFUL. He is our "big old guy"--31 years old, 16hh, and a gentle giant. He has been great for her motor skills, sequencing, confidence, etc. Horseback riding might also give your son something that many other kids can't do but he could do. My daughter can lead an easy trail ride on her big old guy and tell other kids how to ride, etc. If this place though is not experienced with special needs kids then I would suggest talking to them ahead of time and explaining your son's special needs, maybe having someone from the school talk with them, etc. Most therapy programs have the kids do the brushing, tacking up, riding, untacking, maybe feeding, etc. Even when we were boarding our horses with my friend, I had my girls cleaning water buckets, scooping poop, etc. Horses have been GREAT for my girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 From all I hear it's legit. Balance, confidence?? We've got a little buddy with Downs that loved riding our pony. As a former employee of a Riding Center for NARHA, I can tell you some of the results are mind boggling! I have seen kids being carried in by their parents. After 5-6 sessions, they stand on their wobbly legs, after another few sessions, they walk. It brings tears to my eyes. I remember a girl who always had to be assisted by her Dad when she came. She was very young and he held her like you hold a toddler who is learning how to walk. One day I was sitting in the office and someone flew past my door. When I looked out, it was her - running on her own legs without any help at all. There is something about the motion of a horse that strenghtens certain muscles in people. As far as emotional concerns go, Winston Churchill expressed it best: "The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man". Horses somehow connect with people who carry a lot of pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizabethB Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 A friend who is a PT volunteered at Hearts and Hooves when she lived in the Little Rock area, she though it was a great program and helpful. She's now in Alaska. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 My mama is a horsewoman that actually does this as a volunteer. One of my brothers is mentally disabled (will never be more than 10-12 mentally). It's not hokey. It really is therapeutic. I'm not certain of all the ways that it helps, but I do know that it builds confidence, assists in teaching control and self-control, and helps with concentration and following directions. It's fun with a purpose. Bonding with animals has always proven beneficial as well. If you have the opportunity to do it then go for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiguirre Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 I don't know if it helps, but it's ds's next sport in Special Olympics. I'll let you know next spring.;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amy g. Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 http://www.sire-htec.org/newSite/default.shtm This is where Miss Good Volunteers over 100 hours each school year. I heard one dad speak about how after one session, his completely non-verbal autistic son tried to tell his teacher about the horse. When he could not make her understand, he grabbed a pencil, and tried to spell it. He had never shown any interest in talking before that, much less WRITING! They were completely astounded at the progress he made, and he is still getting weekly therapy there as an adult. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 OH......my girls so wish that Special Olympics had horseback riding as a sport here in Michigan. We are working on getting a special needs class for 4H going. I don't know if it helps, but it's ds's next sport in Special Olympics. I'll let you know next spring.;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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