The Medical
Benefits
Dr. Louis Wagner,
Retired, Chest and Vascular Surgeon, Franklin, PA:
"A horse's walking action mimics your body action. So,
when you put somebody on a horse, in order to keep their
balance, they have to move their trunk, arms, shoulders,
head and the rest of their body. Only a live creature
can make happen what is so beneficial. Nautilus® and
other exercise machines work only one group of muscles
at a time. They don't require you to respond to them
with natural body movements. A horse makes your whole
body respond in a smoothly rhythmic, progressive way."
Dr. Walter
Bobechko, Director of Humana Advanced Surgical
Institute, Orthopedic Center of Dallas, TX:
"Therapeutic riding is extremely effective with:
"In addition to
the physical benefits, therapeutic riding offers
psychological benefits because riders feel a sense of
achievement and control. Therapeutic riding requires
balance and muscular control that often enhances or
expedites recovery. The slow, continuous, rhythmic
motion of the gait of the horse is therapeutic and helps
develop the muscles around the spine."
Dr. Peter
Moskovitz, Orthopedic Surgeon, George Washington
University Hospital, Washington, D.C.:
"Horseback riding is an effective means of therapeutic
treatment, especially among patients with
neuromuscular-related problems or disabilities.
"Psychological
functions such as improved self-image, perceptions of
mastery and improved confidence appear to result from
equestrian therapy.
"Young people with
cerebrospastic neuromuscular disorders who participate
in therapeutic riding show better range of hip and knee
motion, improved sitting balance and ambulatory
capacities. They have a more positive and cooperative
attitude toward their regular physical therapy."
Robert T.
Kramer, Chief, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor
University Medical Center, Children's Medical Center,
Presbyterian Medical Center, Dallas, TX:
"Therapeutic riding transcends traditional therapeutic
methods and provides people with the joy of
participating in a program that offers social, athletic
and personal rewards, while providing benefits as well."
