For thousands of years the bond between man and animal has proven to be effective in creating an emotional, healing bond. Horses are used by physical, speech, and occupational therapists to reach their patients on a personal level through what is referred to as “hippotherapy.”

 

Children with autism benefit from equine therapy due to the motor, emotional, and sensory sensations that come with riding a horse.

Therapeutic riding & horsemanship is highly beneficial to children with autism. It helps them develop natural, core skills they need to function in society. Benefits may also include: 

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• Creating the Emotional Bond - Autistic children have difficulty bonding emotionally to others. Rather than verbal communication, autistic children experience physical communication with the horses through brushing them, hugging them, and patting them. In caring for the horse, they associate the care they provide with feelings and an emotional bridge is constructed. 

• Cognitive and Language Skills Development - Autistic children often have difficulty comprehending normal directions. By engaging in equine therapy, your child follows directions through a fun activity that makes taking direction easier to grasp and remember. He will also give the horse direction, which provides him with more opportunities to communicate. 

• Sensory Benefits - Balance and spatial orientation are experienced through the vestibular sense organs. Riding a horse helps liven these sensory preceptors, which helps make therapy exciting and motivates your child to continue to be engaged.

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Private & Group Lessons are available. 

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Rates vary by group size. Prices start at $50.