Overview

Participants meet once a week during the riding sessions.

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Each lesson focuses on improving flexibility, balance, and muscle tone, as well as general horsemanship.

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Benefits

Silver Saddles riders benefit psychologically and physically from therapeutic riding activities.

 

Psychological Benefits

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• Teaches trust through the rider/horse bond

• Teaches problem-solving skills

• Teaches the use of patience to control the horse

• Enhances decision-making skills

• Promotes responsibility and cooperation

• Increases the ability to focus and stay on task

• Boosts self-esteem and pride

• Instills a sense of accomplishment

Physical Benefits

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• Improves balance and strengthens muscles as the rider learns proper posture and is motivated to self-correct to maintain a secure seat on the horse

• Improves coordination, both on and off the horse

• Improves range of motion

• Replicates the muscle movements of walking

• Stimulates the vestibular, nervous, and circulatory systems