Going Full Time

Therapeutic horseback riding has been proven to improve self-confidence, physical fitness, cognitive thinking, balance, and self esteem. As the walking gait of the horse duplicates the three-dimensional movement of the human gait at the walk, riders who have difficulty walking or who are unable to walk without assistance, are gently moved as if they are walking. Sitting astride a walking horse for 30 – 45 minutes can improve balance, and the effort taken to stabilize on a mobile platform improves core and trunk strength, which also improves balance. Those with brain injuries may work on controlling impulsive behaviors, or remembering sequential activities by participating in a simple reining pattern or obstacle course. Imagine being an adult and only 4’2″ tall, your likely height if you are in a wheelchair; now imagine being 8′ tall, looking down on your friends and seeing the world from the back of a gentle horse. Imagine being a child who is pushed along in a wheelchair or propels herself; and then suddenly you gain the freedom to walk, trot or canter in any direction you wish with an obedient horse functioning as your legs and strength. These feelings are unimaginable to able-bodied persons, but for us at Queen of Hearts Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. they are everyday miracles.