Special Features & Editorials
Therapeutic Riding Programs in Northern Ontario
Therapeutic Riding is a form of therapy using horses to help persons with physical or learning disabilities, emotional issues, and various illnesses.
Disabled students that can not walk feel a unique freedom and control when the horse responds to their commands - a freedom they may not command of their own bodies. "There is no better way to exercise the mind and body for these students." Not only does this help raise their self-esteem but it also teaches them essential skills. It improves balance, creates trust and creates a friendship between rider and horse.
Health problems such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, brain or spinal injuries, amputation, scoliosis and arthritis are only a few of the types of health issues now being treated, with great successes, by therapeutic riding.
Children with emotional issues, "attitude" problems, who are "troubled", who are dealing with learning disabilities, depression, or low self esteem are being helped and having their lives changed. Many riders experience a connection to the horse that few sports can create and they learn responsibility, self respect, teamwork, and friendship through working with horses.
Northern Ontario has several therapeutic riding groups, the contact information of which can be found in this section.