The benefits of riding for the The benefits of riding for the disableddisabled

PhysicalPhysical ImprovedImproved

– balancebalance

– muscle strengthmuscle strength

– co-ordinationco-ordination

– normalisation of muscle tonenormalisation of muscle tone

– postural controlpostural control

– relaxation of musclesrelaxation of muscles

– posture overallposture overall

– gait/walking patternsgait/walking patterns

CognitionCognition ImprovedImproved

– listening skillslistening skills

– concentrationconcentration

– attention spanattention span

– problem-solving skillsproblem-solving skills

– memorymemory

– planning and planning and organisationorganisation

– processing informationprocessing information

Perceptual Perceptual

ImprovedImproved

– body awarenessbody awareness

– visual perception visual perception (perceiving what (perceiving what we see)we see)

– spatial awarenessspatial awareness

BehaviourBehaviour

Improved acceptable Improved acceptable behaviour and behaviour and understanding of thisunderstanding of this

Taking responsibility Taking responsibility and control of oneself and control of oneself

Psychological well-beingPsychological well-being

ImprovedImproved

– decision makingdecision making

– risk taking (thrill)risk taking (thrill)

– interest in learninginterest in learning

– motivationmotivation

– self-confidenceself-confidence

– self-esteemself-esteem

Study referenceStudy reference

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