Helping Hooves Help The Disabled
Horses give back the courage, Inspiration and Ability to mentally and physically disabled through equine therapy
Jessica du Preez
17th September 2011
Johannesburg
RDA or riding for the disabled has become a growing phenomenon in 2011. The interaction between horse and their rider has unique and proven therapeutic benefits. Many organisations have formed in order to help the mentally and physically disabled.
SARDA or South African riding for the disabled situated across from the Monash university campus on Peter road accommodates many riders daily who are not able to do activities or sports safely by themselves. The lives of thousands of disabled children’s have been changed by focussing on their ability to relate to the horse.
A person with a disability can be seen as someone who is imperfect, Helpless being unable to help themselves with regards to walking., Communication and social skills such as ash burgers syndrome. Riding horses help the disabled strengthen their condition, improve their lives and realise their dreams. It also allows one to interact with disabled people like themselves.
The interaction between rider and horse is very important because trust between the horse and rider has to be built back. Depending on the severity of the disability depends of the type or level of riding that will be achieved by the rider.
Rider and horse are taken through a series of activities such as learning basic motor skills like how to catch and throw a ball while on horseback. Kids are encouraged to work in groups which not only builds up the relationship with the horse but also with the people around them.
Children that are severely disables whether it be mentally or physically are put onto horses without being in a saddle, this promotes the children’s muscles to work differently than they would while being in a wheel chair.
The horses that are used at the riding for the disabled facilities are not just any old horse but are sort after and are chosen for their temperament and for their conformation. Only horses that pass the requirements are taken in for the program. Occasionally horses that have been abused and are in need of loving homes are taken in.
Riding gives disabled people Hope, Courage, Inspiration and the ability. The horse has been a long standing partner of people with disabilities. Organisations such as SARDA or the South African riding for the disabled association(www.sarda.co.za ), Angels with hooves(www.angelswithhooves.org.za ), neigh-bours(www.neigh-bours.co.za ) all help with the rehabilitation of the disabled.
Source: Angels with hooves website.
Source: Angels wiith hooves website.
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