Equestrian therapy or equine-assisted therapy uses horseback riding as a method of treatment for inpatient or outpatient rehabilitative care. This modality is one of Bryn Mawr Rehab's physical and occupational therapy services and is usually prescribed to complement a person's treatment program. Equestrian therapy sessions are conducted by a licensed physical therapist or occupational therapist with competency training in equestrian therapy and a therapeutic riding instructor. The sessions are held weekly at Thorncroft Equestrian Center, located one mile from Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital.
Equine-assisted therapy is designed according to each individual's needs and abilities. The equestrian therapist conducts sessions by walking on the ground at the side of the horse and rider. For those requiring an emphasis on balance, core stability, motor planning and coordination, the therapist as well as a riding instructor will walk on either side, stabilizing the patient. As they progress in their recovery, they can move on to more advanced sessions.
How therapeutic riding helps patients physically and mentally:
In addition, activities involved with caring for the horse and stable requires the ability to plan and execute specific tasks.
Horses used for the sessions are chosen for their gentle temperament. The horses then are trained to move smoothly and tolerate the equipment, noise and activity that are part of equestrian therapy.
The equestrian therapists from Bryn Mawr Rehab and the therapeutic riding instructors from Thorncroft are trained to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Sessions are conducted with the help of trained side aides and leaders to create a safe riding environment. Side aides and leaders are often volunteers with riding experience who help to lead horses and to teach stable management after therapeutic riding sessions in addition to assisting with therapy sessions.
Patients with physical and/or cognitive impairments are the best candidates for equine-assisted therapy. Those referred for this therapy are often recovering from a brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, amputation, or have a disorder such as multiple sclerosis, although therapeutic riding is not limited to people with these conditions.
Equestrian therapy has been shown to improve self-esteem and encourage involvement in social activity. Participants often experience a sense of independence and gain confidence from participating in this therapy. After discharge from Bryn Mawr Rehab, patients may choose to continue with instruction and participate in horse shows and other competitions for people with physical and cognitive impairments.
Referrals for equine-assisted therapy are made by physicians for inpatient or outpatient care or may be recommended by a therapist currently treating patients at Bryn Mawr Rehab.
Equine-assisted therapy provides physical as well as cognitive benefits for a person’s recovery. As the horse walks, the repetitive swinging motion helps to improve the person’s balance, coordination and strength and muscle tone through the trunk and legs. Cognitive skills improve because riding requires balance, stability, timing and planning.
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