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.