The benefits of riding for the disabled

Physical  Improved –balance –muscle strength –co-ordination –normalisation of muscle tone –postural control –relaxation of muscles –posture overall –gait/walking patterns

Cognition  Improved –listening skills –concentration –attention span –problem-solving skills –memory –planning and organisation –processing information

Perceptual Perceptual  Improved –body awareness –visual perception (perceiving what we see) –spatial awareness

Behaviour  Improved acceptable behaviour and understanding of this  Taking responsibility and control of oneself

Psychological well-being  Improved –decision making –risk taking (thrill) –interest in learning –motivation –self-confidence –self-esteem

Study reference  MacKinnon, J. R. (1995) Therapeutic Horseback riding: Review of the literature. Physical and Occupational Therapy and Paediatrics 15 pp.1-15