Editors Note - I just turned 60 years old in February of 2023 and my helper and confidante Jeannie got me this book called "Lead with your Heart" by Allan J. Hamilton. If your want to understand things from the horse's perspective I encourage you to read this book.
https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Your-Heart-Lessons-Horses/dp/1612127347/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2ELPAL3YHTWL3&keywords=allan+hamilton&qid=1677942185&sprefix=allan+ha%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-4
Instride Therapy got me going with HippoTherapy from May 2017 – August 2019
https://easterseals-swfl-org/about-us/instride-ranch/
Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy treatment strategy that utilizes the movement of a horse as part of an integrated intervention program to achieve functional outcomes. Hippotherapy literally means “treatment with the help of the horse” from the Greek word “hippos” meaning horse. Incorporating hippotherapy into an occupational therapy, physical therapy or speech-language pathology session can serve as a powerful tool benefiting key neuromotor systems that support function. Skillfully applied equine movement, under the direction of a licensed therapist, can offer the client the opportunity for complex motor learning. The horse’s walk provides sensory input through movement, which is variable, rhythmic, and repetitive. The average horse walks at a rate of approximately 100 steps per minute, so 25 minutes of equine movement is equivalent to 2500 steps. Strength, Muscle Coordination, and Sensory Processing used for walking, talking, and the use of fine motor skills for activities of daily living and general attention to tasks have all been shown to be positively impacted by equine movement, when under the direction of a skilled therapist, as part of a larger total plan of care. In addition, increased motivation and participation in treatment, and social-emotional benefits have been reported.
Here are three videos that capture my initial sessions:
Video #1:
Video #2:
Video #3:
Freedom Ride since September 2019
https://www.freedomride.com/
I have been going to Freedom Ride since September 2019 where I took up specific riding skills which are taught in a therapeutic riding session. Starting slowly, I am now into the program riding unclipped at times. I started with Anne until the fall of 2021 and since then I have been riding under the supervision of Jeannie.
Therapeutic Horseback Riding lessons are taught by a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor with a team of 1-3 volunteers per rider. Riders are encouraged to participate in tasks and games that help develop physical strengthening and cognitive improvement with an emphasis on horseback riding skills which are performed in a safe environment that is both therapeutic and fun.
