More than just horseback riding
HorseSense is an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with and without disabilities through a friendship with the horse. We strives to improve the bodies, minds and spirits of participants by providing adaptive horseback riding and unmounted horsemanship opportunities that:
- Create a positive environment for learning
- Emphasize the capabilities of each individual
- Improve physical health
- Provide a sense of accomplishment and control
There are several benefits youth and adults with cognitive, physical and psychological disabilities experience throughout lessons as they work towards their goals. Sitting astride a horse increases balance and coordination, strengthens muscles and brings about body awareness, for example. And through complex, interactive lessons, participants practice their speech, reading and problem-solving skills as they learn to follow instructions. Other benefits include: improved reflexes, weight-bearing ability, range of motion, stamina, hand-eye coordination, sensory integration, left/right discrimination, decision-making, independence, patience, emotional regulation, and responsibility.
The impact of equine assisted services (EAS) is life-long as such benefits hit the very core of our participants: their identities. Individuals build their self-esteem and self-efficacy by regulating their emotions to convert negative feelings into constructive motivation. This motivation they experience throughout lessons carries into their everyday lives, empowering them to believe in themselves and their abilities.