Dream Rider Equestrian Therapy

Therapeutic riding has been shown to enhance both physical and emotional health for children with disabilities and adults with various physical and or mental challenges. At Dream Rider Equestrian therapy, carefully trained ponies are used to assist the recovery of children whose special needs require movement induced physical therapy to overcome weakness or atrophy of muscles resulting either from congenital neurological problems or are the result of traumatic injury. Effectiveness of the physical therapy is enhanced with music therapy where clients move to music on the ponies. Lessons take place in an arena where children plan and execute series of activities through obstacles which promote, balance, focus, communication and relationships both with the ponies and the people who are helping the children to perform these tasks on horseback. Riding is done to music selected by the child. Supplementary educational material is provided to stimulate and further educate the children about horses and to develop language skills. Lessons are designed also to support the I.E.P.s from school when provided by the parents. This program employs a holistic approach to therapy. We are not training for competition but we are developing competency on all levels within the child's ability.