On January 23, 2011, Handi-Riders, a horseback riding non-profit organization declared their ability to provide service year-long to children with disabilities. This organization gives disabled individuals the opportunity to enhance their motor and sensory skills through an alternative physical therapy. Now that the organization remains active throughout the year, as many as 5,000 hour-long sessions in contrast to 500 hours are offered to help people of all ages.
Handi-Riders work alongside licensed therapists; rather than exercising under a roof, this outdoor therapy can help patients regain range of motion through light activity. This alternative can improve patient’s behaviors and their emotional disabilities as well.
Improving an individual’s health and preventing further injuries is a major goal in physical therapy. Now the organization can aid numerous patients with their extension to open business. Though the patients of Handi-Riders possess a disability, the use of horseback riding and physical therapy reveals significant progress of over time.
Donations and grants made it possible for the barn to stay open year-long; the money also serves as replenishment and renovation of Handi-Riders’ barn. The organization hopes to offer scholarships to aid those who cannot afford physical therapy to ensure more rehabilitation opportunities to individuals.
I enjoyed reading this article because I want to become a physical therapist and it highlights the enhancement in well-being through physical therapy from a different prospective. I found it interesting because physical therapy is usually associated with a gym or an indoor activity but in this situation, patients can have fun and restore their health.
If it was a requirement to receive physical therapy, would you like to try horseback riding?
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteThis is a really cool article about horse riding therapy. This is awesome that the non-profit organization "Handi-Riders" has given the time and dedication to provide service to children with disabilities.
I feel that horseback riding is a good way for physical therapy as the rider can relax, improve their behaviors and regain range of motion like you said.
If horseback riding was a requirement for physical therapy I would love to do that. I have been riding horses ever since I was three years old and has enjoyed it ever since. Riding horses is a good way for you to feel free and feel better about yourself emotionally and physically.
Great article it was really nice hearing about this non-profit organization and knowing that they are going to change a lot of patient’s lives.