| Children and adults of all ages and mental or physical | | | | person is relating to the horse and the animal's natural |
| abilities have experienced great benefits from the | | | | behaviors. |
| sport of horseback riding. Rehabilitation programs | | | | 5.Consideration and respect are accomplished when a |
| nationwide have witnessed this remarkable fact. We | | | | person is relating with or handling horses. The size and |
| have heard that the interaction with animals is known | | | | strength of the horse is to be revered as they choose |
| to help patients in hospitals, by relaxing them and | | | | to please the human companion. |
| offering positive stimuli. Horses are potentially one of | | | | 6.Self-Confidence is acquired when a person |
| the top on the list of animals who posses this calming, | | | | progresses to a rewarding comfort-level among these |
| rehabilitating effect to humans through horseback riding | | | | powerful animals. |
| lessons. | | | | 7.Patience is a human trait that is strengthened while |
| Here are nine significant reasons to start horseback | | | | caring for and riding horses. |
| riding lessons: | | | | 8.Positive Stimuli is evident in horseback riding |
| 1.The sensory-motor and balancing skills used during | | | | participation, which is immediately beneficial for the |
| horseback riding strengthen the 'core', or midsection | | | | treatment of depression or a lack of self-esteem. |
| muscles in the human body, including legs, abdominals | | | | 9.Assessment strategies are exercised while we must |
| and back muscles. Balancing also offers valuable | | | | use body language and cues, that the horse is trained |
| rehabilitation exercising needed for motor-skill | | | | to understand, in order to handle or correct the horse. |
| development. | | | | Professional trainers and specialty programs are |
| 2.Focus and concentration are improved while learning | | | | available for any individual to have the opportunity to |
| the 'controls' or ways to communicate with and direct | | | | benefit from the horse experience. Troubled teens, |
| the horse. | | | | individuals diagnosed with depression or anxiety, special |
| 3.Leadership skills, such as planning ahead will be | | | | needs such as physical, mental or social challenges are |
| introduced, since the human is ultimately leading the | | | | all encouraged to seek a qualified horse program. The |
| horse while practicing horseback riding. | | | | benefits are immediate, the steps may be small, and |
| 4.Self-Awareness, both visual and spatial are cognitive | | | | the opportunities are endless. |
| or consciousness skills that will be recognized while a | | | | |