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."