| Psychological Benefits |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
General sense of well-being
Exercise in the fresh air of a ranch, away from hospitals, doctors office, therapy rooms, or
home help to promote a sense of well-being.
Improved self-confidence
Confidence is gained by mastering a skill normally performed by able-bodied people. The
ability to control an animal much larger and stronger than oneself is a great confidence
builder. Participating in events such as shows and play days add to the sense of
achievement.
Increased interest in the outside world
For those confined by a disability, the world tends to shrink in size. Riding increases
interest in what is happening around the rider, as the rider explores the world from the back
of a horse. Even exercising becomes interesting when done on horseback.
Increased interest in one's own life
The excitement of riding and the experiences involved stimulate the rider, encouraging the
rider to speak and communicate about it.
Improved risk-taking abilities
Riding is a risk sport. The rider learns to master fears though the act of staying on the
horse, as well as attempting new skills and positions on the horse.
Development of patience
Since the horse has a mind of it's own, the rider learns patience as he or she attempts to
perform skills on the horse when the horse is not cooperating. Repetition of basic riding
principles also helps to develop patience.
Emotional control and self-discipline
The rider quickly learns that an out-of-control rider means an out-of-control horse.
Shouting, crying, and emotional outbursts upset the horse, which in turn frightens the rider.
Riders learn to control these emotions and appropriately express them.
Sense of normality
By being able to master a skill considered difficult by the able population, the rider
experiences him/herself as being normal.
Expansion of the locus of control
The rider begins to view him/herself as having control over his/her world as control over a
powerful animal increases.
Exercise in the fresh air of a ranch, away from hospitals, doctors office, therapy rooms, or
home help to promote a sense of well-being.
Improved self-confidence
Confidence is gained by mastering a skill normally performed by able-bodied people. The
ability to control an animal much larger and stronger than oneself is a great confidence
builder. Participating in events such as shows and play days add to the sense of
achievement.
Increased interest in the outside world
For those confined by a disability, the world tends to shrink in size. Riding increases
interest in what is happening around the rider, as the rider explores the world from the back
of a horse. Even exercising becomes interesting when done on horseback.
Increased interest in one's own life
The excitement of riding and the experiences involved stimulate the rider, encouraging the
rider to speak and communicate about it.
Improved risk-taking abilities
Riding is a risk sport. The rider learns to master fears though the act of staying on the
horse, as well as attempting new skills and positions on the horse.
Development of patience
Since the horse has a mind of it's own, the rider learns patience as he or she attempts to
perform skills on the horse when the horse is not cooperating. Repetition of basic riding
principles also helps to develop patience.
Emotional control and self-discipline
The rider quickly learns that an out-of-control rider means an out-of-control horse.
Shouting, crying, and emotional outbursts upset the horse, which in turn frightens the rider.
Riders learn to control these emotions and appropriately express them.
Sense of normality
By being able to master a skill considered difficult by the able population, the rider
experiences him/herself as being normal.
Expansion of the locus of control
The rider begins to view him/herself as having control over his/her world as control over a
powerful animal increases.