Horse therapy
[projekktor id=’20676′]
Equine Ability Niagara gives students a chance to get physically active and experience the calming effect of horses. The program caters to riders with all kinds of challenges which includes: autism, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, even people who can barely walk. It levels the playing field so they can experience the world from a different perspective.
During lessons, students with special needs will learn physical and verbal cues for their horses. They are aided by a side walker who offers support when necessary and play games to work on balance and coordination. Instructor, Susan Annan, says even more remarkable than physical improvements, is the emotional changes she sees in her riders over the years.
Supporters of therapeutic riding believe horses calm riders with special needs, allowing them to focus their energy. Riders also learn about the responsibility that goes into caring for a horse. Before each ride, they have a theory lesson and learn how to groom and tack up their pony.
