The Healing with Horses Horseback Riding Program is a transformative journey, designed to harness the profound therapeutic power of horses.
In addition to teaching traditional horseback riding skills, we focus on the emotional and psychological benefits of horseback riding. These often involve the behavioral and emotional support we provide. Our students come to us with anxiety, low self esteem, depression and lack of emotional regulation skills. Horseback riding provides not only fun, outdoor activities, where the child can be challenged to learn how to ride a horse, but also learn critical life skills in the process.
Horseback riding involves a unique repetitive motion that activates various parts of the brain. The child’s body moves in sync with the horses gait and this constant need to adjust and maintain balance has a calming effect on the brain, making it easier for riders to regulate their emotions. Students work one-on-one with our certified teaching instructor, to learn riding skills, while also practicing mindfulness to become more self aware, and also enhancing the bond with their horse. Through this approach, riders not only gain the physical benefits of horseback riding, but also emotional, social, and cognitive benefits as well.
What differentiates us from a traditional riding program are the horsemanship skills we teach, but also the behavioral and emotional support we provide, setting students up with the foundational skills needed to navigate the world, grounded, confident and with a firm footing.
Physical Benefits:
Engaging in horseback riding offers numerous physical benefits, including:
- Improved Balance and Coordination: Riding a horse requires maintaining balance and coordinating movements with the horse, which strengthens core muscles and enhances overall body coordination.
- Enhanced Muscle Tone and Flexibility: The act of riding works various muscle groups, promoting muscle tone and flexibility, particularly in the legs, back, and abdomen.
- Cardiovascular Health: Horseback riding is an excellent form of moderate exercise, contributing to improved cardiovascular health and stamina.
- Refined Motor Skills: The repetitive actions involved in riding, such as guiding the horse and adjusting posture, help refine fine gross and fine motor skills and overall dexterity.
Social and Emotional Benefits:
The therapeutic nature of horseback riding extends beyond physical health, offering substantial social and emotional advantages:
- Emotional Regulation: The rhythmic motion of horse riding has a calming effect on the brain, making it easier for riders to regulate their emotions, helping individuals manage emotions and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem: Successfully riding and controlling a horse fosters a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-confidence.
- Enhanced Social Skills: The program encourages communication and teamwork, as participants often interact with instructors, peers, and the horses themselves, improving social interactions and relationships.
- Sense of Responsibility: Caring for and riding a horse instills a sense of responsibility and discipline, as participants learn to understand and meet the needs of their equine partners.
- Mindfulness and Presence: We teach breath work and mindfulness which is incorporated throughout the lesson. Students are taught how to “be in the moment”, promoting mindfulness and a deeper connection with oneself and nature.
Costs:
Costs:$115 per lesson
$85 scholarship rate or $320 for package of 4 lessons.
Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to creating a supportive and nurturing environment where participants can thrive physically, socially, and emotionally. We look forward to guiding you on this enriching journey with our gentle and intuitive horses.
To learn more about registering for Horseback riding lessons, please fill out the form below and we will get back in touch with you as soon as possible.
Join us and experience the healing power of horses!