REPORTED BENEFITS OF RIDING FOR THE DISABLED

1. Physical Benefits

• improved balance, coordination and posture
• increased motor control ability
• increased muscle development by decreasing abnormal muscle tone
• prevention of contractures
• increased joint mobility and range of motion
• improved overall endurance
• improved circulation
• provision of sensations to non-weight bearing lower extremities
• strong symmetrical stimulation for asymmetrical problems (i.e. hemplegia)
• experience a gait similar to that of man
• increased sensory input to touch and smell

2. Psychological Benefits

• increased self-esteem
• increased self-confidence
• increased self respect
• increased motivation
• the experience of performing as a normal person (i.e. being mobile, independent of others and free)
• having the opportunity to actively participate in and upon the environment
• experiencing looking down on the world after years of looking up from a wheelchair
• feelings of elation and euphoria
• developing courage and experiencing an element of risk and danger
• a sense of achievement

3. Social Benefits

• taking part in an activity associated with the fit
• developing new friendships and relationships
• helps disabled adjust to their disability
• association with an animal

4. Education Benefits

• increased attention span, self-control and concentration
• increased body awareness and improved body image
• increase spatial awareness
• cognition practice while learning theory
• improved memory
• increased ability to learn structure and organization
• improved speech (vocalization and articulation)

5. Recreational Benefits

• increases emotional and physical abilities through riding and related physical activities
• integrates new skills into everyday life