Therapeutic Riding
Equine therapy for the disabled
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About Therapeutic Riding
Living Waters Equestrian is a proud inclusive environment where therapeutic riding form part of our day to day routine. We have a great relation with our local schools and centres for individuals with specific needs and have numerous equestrian assisted activity programmes for riders of all ages and abilities. We are proud partners with Sportspartnership Ireland and our local schools and special needs centres.
Equine Therapy for the disabled is a non-invsasive form of therapy. It combines instruction in traditional horsemanship skills with concepts of physical therapy, occupational therapy and social/emotional therapies. Equestrian therapy has numerous physical, mental and social/emotional benefits.
PHYSICAL BENEFITS
Improved balance, posture & coordination (fine and gross motor skills), faster reflexes, improved motor planning, stretching of tight or spastic muscles, decreased spasticity, increased range of motion, reduction of abnormal movement patterns, improved respiration and circulation, improved appetite and digestion, provides sensory integration, normalization of muscle tone, increased strength & stamina, endurance and relaxation.
MENTAL IMPROVEMENTS
Strengthens auditory short term memory, improves visual memory, sequencing, patterning and motor-planning, improves math and reading skills, problem solving, spatial relationships, strengthens ability to follow directions, improved eye-hand coordination.
SOCIAL/ EMOTIONAL BENEFITS
Provides general sense of well-being, improved self confidence, Increased interest in outside world and interest in ones own life, develops patience, emotional control and self-discipline, Provides sense of normality, improves communication skills, develops courage and a willingness to take risks, social relationships, breaks down barriers, teaches kindness and develops a respect and love for animals.
Our clients are children and adults facing many different challenges. Among them:
- Cerebral Palsy (CP)
- Down Syndrome
- Developmentally Delayed
- Autism
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Visual and Hearing Impaired
- Learning Disabled
- ADD / ADHD
- Spina Bifida
- Brain / Spinal Cord Injury
- Eating Disorders
- Mentally and Emotionally Impaired
- Muscular Dystrophy (MD)
- Cystic Fibrosis
- At-Risk Children
