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 riders by providing weekly therapeutic horseback riding lessons that:
- Create a positive environment for learning
- Emphasize the capabilities of each rider
- 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 master their riding skills. Sitting astride a horse increases balance and coordination, strengthens muscles and brings about body awareness, for example. And through complex, interactive lessons, riders 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, physical fitness and responsibility.
The impact of therapeutic horseback riding is life-long as such benefits hit the very core of our riders: their identities. Riders 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.
In a program tailored to those who’ve served, our HorseSense for Heroes program accommodates the special rehabilitative needs of Veterans who are recovering from injuries sustained in service to their nation. Injuries include:
- Feelings of Guilt
- Grief
- Anger
- Panic Attacks
- Sleep Disorders
- MST
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- PTSD
- Amputation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Service Connected Injuries
Lessons are designed to address specific issues faced by wounded and traumatized Veterans, while providing them a supportive and therapeutic environment to heal. This session integrates horse behavior, grooming and basic groundwork along with riding. Each rider is paired with a specially trained horse and starts out with a team of volunteers. Veterans do not need a disability rating with the VA to take lessons.