Horse Therapy - Parker,CO

I can't remember if my nephew has dyspraxia or apraxia, but my sister takes him to horse therapy and thinks it does wonders. She is a big advocate for doing varied activities with him for his development.

Shoe on the other hoof...

I volunteered with Little Bits (a horse therapy program) when I was in highschool.

It was particularly effective with 2 groups of kiddos:

hypotonia / MS/ dystrophy kids &
those with anger/emotional issues

For the low muscle tone, the movement of being on a horse isn't like a car. You don't just sit, your body moves with them. Even at the LOWEST level the HUGE number of tiny muscle movements (involuntary at the lowest level) created a giant upsurge in muscle tone with little to no effort on the kids' part (unlike physical therapy; which requires conscious movement which can be equally exhausting just from the FRUSTRATION)... so kids end up with more tone, less tired (because the emotional involvement is positive instead of negative; aka emotions aren't sucking their energy).

For the second group... I think Roosevelt said it best:

"There's something about the outside of a horse, which is good for the inside of a man."

____

There's also something I've noticed about "horse people". We tend to be really good with kids. Soft hands, low voice (up close), reeeeeally responsive to non-verbal language. Not true in every case, but true in most.

Absolutely do not hesitate---Horse therapy and riding helps to build self-confidence, strength, and offers a sense of freedom to children with physical ailments as it helps to build a special bond.

Also when and as she developes a bond with a horse she/he talks with ease and some of the stuttering may heal itself.

Horses are the best therapy she/he can get!!!!!

I probably shouldn't respond, because I don't personally have experience with the therapy horses in particular. I am aware that there is a facility around here that offers that, but obviously where I am helps you not at all.

But I wanted to say that, having ridden horses over the years, (a lot as a young teen), that everything Riley said sounds right on the money. Just sitting on a horse as it walks is a very physical thing. And it is a very lovely thing at the same time.
:)

I have seen it and my child tried it, but the place ran out of money. I would say go with your child and stay by them at all times. My child felt brave and learned to balance herself even when the horse jerked. I looked up some places online and they are free to kids with medical paperwork.

I am a volunteer at a therapeutic riding center and thought I would share a small bit of my experiences in hope of helping you to make your decision. I am a horse leader and sidewalker. The leaders job is to control the horse in a manner the therapist sees best for the child. Certain movements are more beneficial for certain conditions. Sidewalkers are there to protect your child and help them to stay stable on the horse, as well as assisit the therapist in activities. I have truly witnessed miracles at this center. I have seen children unable to sit up by themselves when they come in and by the end of the 8 week session, they have gained enough core strength etc. to be able to sit unassisted. The therapists we work with are angels and know what activities will help to improve each childs area of concern. The beauty of horse therapy is that the children who participate have so much fun they don't even realize that they are doing therapy. so many of their lives are filled with painful and boring therapy sessions, that this is a relief for them and something they look forward to all week. I would urge you to give it a try. The kids I have been blessed to be able to work with have all benefitted from horse therapy so much. Their little muscles work so hard on horseback without them even realizing they are working. I hope this is helpful and if you have any questions or would like further discussion or details, I would love to talk to you. You can reach me at ____@____.com

Personally, I think it's brilliant.

Maybe this would be useful? http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS429US429&amp...

Good luck!

I have a friend who works for an organization here in AZ that does equine therapy with special needs children and adults and with veterans. If you PM me with your email, I can put you in touch with her. She'll be able to answer all of your questions or direct you to someone to who can.

I take a group of special needs kids to a place where horses are kept and they help take care of them. They love the horses!! Horses and dogs are the most therapeutic.

I grew up with horses and riding them.
It is great.
It uses, your whole body and promotes good posture. Because, to ride a horse, you need the proper posture. Not hunching over etc.
It takes, the whole person, physically/verbally and emotions, to ride a horse and handle them. It is about the 'relationship' with the animal. There is a bond, that forms, between a rider/owner and their horse.
It is complimentary.

Animals, are good therapy, for anyone. AS LONG AS... the child/person, likes it and the type of animal.

Some kids, or even adults, are scared of horses... because of their size.
Per this type of therapy, they will use horses, that only are per their personality, good with kids and 'mellow' and not skittish. And hopefully one, that each child, gets along with.

Riley J. summed it up, nicely and well.

I used to work in ECI and we took the children to a therapeutic program every summer. And, yes, I think it is very worthwhile.
You might be interested in watching Buck, a documentary about a man who is the real horse whisperer and how his relationship with horses helped him overcome adversity.