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Saddling
up on a horse is an enjoyable experience for many people,
but for an individual with a disability it can signify
much more - a road to recovery. Each year people with
physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities benefit
from therapeutic horseback riding activities. Whether
it's a five-year-old with Down's Syndome, or a 45-year-old
recovering from a spinal cord injury, horseback riding
provides challenges as well as rewards for many.
Research
shows that individuals of all ages who participates
in therapeutic riding can experience physical, emotional
and mental rewards. Because horseback riding gently
and rhymically moves the rider's body in a manner similar
to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often
show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle
strength.
For
individuals with mental or emotional disabilities, the
unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to
increased confidence, patience and self-esteem. The
sense of independence found on horseback benefits all
who ride.
ABOUT
NARHA
The
North American Riding for the Handicapped Association
(NARHA) promotes and supports therapeutic horseback
riding programs throughout the United States and Canada.
Since 1969, NARHA has helped therapeutic riding programs
flourish throughout the country. The non-profit association
is comprised of more than 500 riding centers. These
centers range from small, one-person programs to large
operations with several instructions and therapists.
In addition to therapeutic riding, a center may offer
any number of equine activities such as driving, vaulting,
trail riding, competition or stable management.

More
than 30,000 riders with disabilities benefit therapeutic
horseback riding activities at NARHA centers.

To
help ensure safe instruction, NARHA administers a certification
program for riding instructors. Riding programs also
have the chance to demonstrate their excellence in providing
therapeutically-valid services through NARHA's operating
center accreditation program.
Through
a wide variety of educational resources, the association
helps individuals start and maintain successful riding
programs. NARHA's standards for operating centers provide
a basis for maintaining a safe therapeutic riding environment.
The association also provides guidelines for selecting
riders who are suitable and appropriate for therapeutic
riding activities. Other educational resources include
regional workshops, an annual conference and state/regional
networks.
To
learn more about therapeutic riding contact NARHA at
(800) 369-7433 or visit them on the web at www.narha.org.
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