Physical Benefits
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Improved balance
As the horse moves, the rider is constantly thrown off-balance, requiring that the rider's
muscles contract and relax in an attempt to rebalance. This exercise reaches deep
muscles not accessible in conventional physical therapy. The three-dimensional
rhythmical movement of the horse is similar to the motion of walking, teaching rhythmical
patterns to the muscles of the legs and trunk. By placing the rider in different positions
on the horse (therapeutic vaulting), we can work different sets of muscles. Stopping and
starting the horse, changing speed and changing direction increase the benefits.
Strengthened muscles
Muscles are strengthened by the increased use involved in riding. Even though riding is
exercise, it is perceived as enjoyment, and therefore the rider has increased tolerance
and motivation to lengthen the period of exercise.
Improved coordination, faster reflexes, and better motor planning
Riding a horse requires a great deal of coordination in order to get the desired response
from the horse. Since the horse provides instant feedback to every action by the rider, it
is easy to know when you have given the correct cue. Repetition of patterned movements
required in controlling a horse quickens the reflexes and aids in motor planning.
Stretching of tight or spastic muscles
Sitting on a horse requires stretching of the adductor muscles of the thighs. This is
accomplished by pre-stretching prior to mounting the horse, and starting the rider off on
a narrow horse, gradually working to wider and wider horses. Gravity helps to stretch the
muscles in front of the leg as the rider sits on the horse without stirrups. Riding with
stirrups with heels level or down helps to stretch the heel cords and calf muscles.
Stomach and back muscles are stretched as the rider is encouraged to maintain an
upright posture against the movement of the horse. Arm and hand muscles are stretched
as part of routine exercises on the horse and by the act of holding and using the reins.
Decreased spasticity
Spasticity is reduced by the rhythmic motion of the horse. The warmth of the horse may
aid in relaxation, especially of the legs. Sitting astride a horse helps to break up extensor
spasms of the lower limbs. Holding the reins helps to break flexor spasm patterns of the
upper limbs. Many of the developmental vaulting positions are also designed to break up
or reduce spasticity. Fatigue also helps to decrease spasticity by producing relaxation.
Increased range of motion of the joints
As spasticity is reduced, range of motion increases. Range of motion is also improved by
the act of mounting and dismounting, tacking up, grooming, and exercises during lessons.
Reduction of abnormal movement patterns
If spasticity is reduced and range of motion increased, it follows that abnormal
movements will be inhibited. Relaxation techniques while riding also help to inhibit
abnormal movement.
Improved respiration and circulation
Although riding is not normally considered a cardiovascular exercise, trotting and
cantering do increase both respiration and circulation.
Improved appetite and digestion
Like all forms of exercise, riding stimulates the appetite. The digestive tract is also
stimulated, increasing the efficiency of digestion.
Sensory integration
Riding stimulates the tactile senses both through touch and environmental stimuli. The
vestibular system is also stimulated by the movement of the horse, changes in direction
and speed. The olfactory system responds to the many smells involved in a stable and
ranch environment. Vision is used in control of the horse. The many sounds of a ranch
help to involve the auditory system. All of these senses work together and are integrated
in the act of riding. In addition, proprioceptors ( receptors that give information from our
muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints) are activated, resulting in improved
proprioception.
As the horse moves, the rider is constantly thrown off-balance, requiring that the rider's
muscles contract and relax in an attempt to rebalance. This exercise reaches deep
muscles not accessible in conventional physical therapy. The three-dimensional
rhythmical movement of the horse is similar to the motion of walking, teaching rhythmical
patterns to the muscles of the legs and trunk. By placing the rider in different positions
on the horse (therapeutic vaulting), we can work different sets of muscles. Stopping and
starting the horse, changing speed and changing direction increase the benefits.
Strengthened muscles
Muscles are strengthened by the increased use involved in riding. Even though riding is
exercise, it is perceived as enjoyment, and therefore the rider has increased tolerance
and motivation to lengthen the period of exercise.
Improved coordination, faster reflexes, and better motor planning
Riding a horse requires a great deal of coordination in order to get the desired response
from the horse. Since the horse provides instant feedback to every action by the rider, it
is easy to know when you have given the correct cue. Repetition of patterned movements
required in controlling a horse quickens the reflexes and aids in motor planning.
Stretching of tight or spastic muscles
Sitting on a horse requires stretching of the adductor muscles of the thighs. This is
accomplished by pre-stretching prior to mounting the horse, and starting the rider off on
a narrow horse, gradually working to wider and wider horses. Gravity helps to stretch the
muscles in front of the leg as the rider sits on the horse without stirrups. Riding with
stirrups with heels level or down helps to stretch the heel cords and calf muscles.
Stomach and back muscles are stretched as the rider is encouraged to maintain an
upright posture against the movement of the horse. Arm and hand muscles are stretched
as part of routine exercises on the horse and by the act of holding and using the reins.
Decreased spasticity
Spasticity is reduced by the rhythmic motion of the horse. The warmth of the horse may
aid in relaxation, especially of the legs. Sitting astride a horse helps to break up extensor
spasms of the lower limbs. Holding the reins helps to break flexor spasm patterns of the
upper limbs. Many of the developmental vaulting positions are also designed to break up
or reduce spasticity. Fatigue also helps to decrease spasticity by producing relaxation.
Increased range of motion of the joints
As spasticity is reduced, range of motion increases. Range of motion is also improved by
the act of mounting and dismounting, tacking up, grooming, and exercises during lessons.
Reduction of abnormal movement patterns
If spasticity is reduced and range of motion increased, it follows that abnormal
movements will be inhibited. Relaxation techniques while riding also help to inhibit
abnormal movement.
Improved respiration and circulation
Although riding is not normally considered a cardiovascular exercise, trotting and
cantering do increase both respiration and circulation.
Improved appetite and digestion
Like all forms of exercise, riding stimulates the appetite. The digestive tract is also
stimulated, increasing the efficiency of digestion.
Sensory integration
Riding stimulates the tactile senses both through touch and environmental stimuli. The
vestibular system is also stimulated by the movement of the horse, changes in direction
and speed. The olfactory system responds to the many smells involved in a stable and
ranch environment. Vision is used in control of the horse. The many sounds of a ranch
help to involve the auditory system. All of these senses work together and are integrated
in the act of riding. In addition, proprioceptors ( receptors that give information from our
muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints) are activated, resulting in improved
proprioception.
