Carrolls Corner, Nova Scotia
The goal of Hope Reins is to improve the lives of people with physical, mental and emotional disabilities through the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-assisted activities.
ONE RIDE TO MAKE THEM LAUGH. ONE RIDE TO HELP THEM FLY.
ONE RIDE TO GIVE THEM FREEDOM.
What is Therapeutic Horseback Riding?
Therapeutic riding uses equine-oriented activities for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of people with disabilities.
Therapeutic riding provides benefits in the areas of sport, recreation, education and medicine to individuals with a wide-range of disabilities.
What are the benefits of Therapeutic Riding?
Physically, therapeutic riding can improve coordination and help normalize muscle tone. It can help improve posture and increase the functional range of motion, muscular strength, and flexibility. Perceptual motor skills and sensory motor skills may also improve. The psychological benefits for the individuals who participate include improved motivation, self-esteem and confidence. Therapeutic riding enhances the development of cognitive skills and allows the rider to improve socialization skills and learn teamwork.
Saddling up a horse is an enjoyable experience for many people, but for an individual with a disability it can signify much more - a road to recovery. Each year people with physical, cognitive and/or emotional disabilities are discovering the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding. Whether it's a five-year-old with Downs Syndrome or a 45-year old recovering from a spinal injury, horse back riding provides challenges as well as rewards for all.
Research shows that students who participate in equine-assisted activities can experience physical, emotional and mental rewards. The benefits of horseback riding are as numerous as the types of disabilities and conditions served.
To protect the safety of our riders, volunteers and our horses, therapeutic riding may not be suitable for everyone. All candidates will be carefully screened during the application process.
We invite you to read this wonderful article about therapeutic riding.
