In today’s society, horses are typically found on ranches or farms where they are either ridden for work or for leisure; however, they also serve another important purpose. In this monthly feature, I’d like to share with you the ways horses provide hope, healing and empowerment to those who struggle daily.
You may have seen me mention in the About Me section, the term therapeutic riding (TR) program. A few weeks after beginning my riding lessons, I asked the Barn Manager about additional opportunities at the barn allowing me to spend more time with the horses. She mentioned their TR program was looking for volunteers to help with the riding lessons for children and adults with a range of physical or cognitive challenges. Given my personal experience growing up and working with children with disabilities, I knew this was the most fitting way for me to combine my passion for helping others and my love for horses.
Therapeutic riding is an equine-assisted activity contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with special needs. The volunteers provide support to the program participants as they grow as riders. TR volunteers play the role of a side-walker, walking alongside the rider to physically or emotionally support them, or as a horse leader to help guide and direct the horse. Additionally, lesson volunteers support riders with prompting, mentorship and horsemanship. A month into volunteering as lessons assistant, I also started to help as a volunteer coordinator. Since then, I have volunteered with a couple of different TR programs in the area and have gone through various trainings. Yet, it always felt to me like I could offer even more.
In January 2020, I joined the volunteers at the Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center in Aldie, VA. Almost immediately, I felt like a part of an extraordinary team. The Sprout facility, the horses, the instructors and their entire support team, make everyone feel like they are a part of something larger than life. The partnership they help to build between their horses, riders, volunteers and instructors is one of a kind and always focused on providing hope, healing and empowerment. Just watch this quick video to see what I mean:
The benefits of animal-assisted activities and therapies have been recognized for a long time, but the specific benefits of interacting with horses may be less well known. Working with horses can have a major physical and emotional impact on people with a wide variety of issues and disabilities.
The movement and unique walking gait of a horse most closely resembles that of a human. Therefore, when a person is riding a horse their body gains strength through its adjustment to the horse’s gait. Riding at a simple walk gives a person balance, coordination and self-confidence. Therapeutic riding also improves social skills of people with disabilities who may have difficulty interacting with others.
Horses stimulate the senses in a number of ways that are beneficial for people with certain psychological disorders. The rider’s vision, hearing, sense of touch, and smell are all stimulated by the sounds, smells, and the feel of the horse itself. When the horse is in motion, the stimulation is to the rider’s tactile senses. This creates both sensory enjoyment and/or appreciation for the act of riding.
The mission of Sprout is fulfilled by on-going volunteer support. With over 125 participants each week, Sprout relies on a large community of do-gooders who support barn needs, horse care and programs. Weekly volunteers can start at the age of 14 and can come from all age ranges, professions and experience. If you’d like to learn more, please go to https://sproutcenter.org/volunteer/. Regardless of how you arrive, you are sure to be changed for good during your time at Sprout!
