RIDE TO WALK
References to the physical benefits of horseback riding date back to some very early writings in the 1600s. However, when Liz Hartel of Denmark won the silver medal for dressage at the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games - despite having paralysis from polio - medical and equine professionals really took notice. It wasn’t long before therapeutic horseback riding was being used for rehabilitation in England and later in North America. The first centers for therapeutic riding in North America began operation in the 1960s.
BENEFITS OF HORSEBACK RIDING FOR TAYLOR
The components of normal movement are very similar to those used in equestrian horseback riding skills and horseback riding lends itself especially well to physical therapy. Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait, Taylor will achieve greater flexibility, balance and muscle strength enabling her to have an even better walk than she currently does.
We feel very fortunate that Taylor is currently participating in the ONLY program in the Northern California area that focuses exclusively on the therapeutic aspects of horseback riding for children. She starts weekly riding sessions, which will be conducted by specially trained physical therapists, this coming Friday.
Today, we took Taylor to get fitted for her very own custom horse-riding helmet. While Taylor was getting fitted for her riding helmet, Paige enjoyed checking out all the horse supply products including the bridles and bits. She also enjoyed squatting down in the riding boots/shoes section and looking at herself in the mirror. Finally, the visit concluded with both girls test-driving some of the many saddles on display in the showroom. We managed to leave the shop without tearing up the store or disheveling the shelves adorned with innumerable horse products.
