Horses Make a Difference
The PATH International organization and its dedicated members have developed a multitude of different equine-related activities for therapeutic purposes, collectively known as equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT).
In EAAT, the horse truly acts as a partner in healing, whether physically, emotionally, or mentally. Forming a bond with a horse can improve confidence, self-esteem, motivation, and patience in individuals dealing with emotional stress. Due to a horse's unique sensitivities as an animal of prey, the horse can detect subtle changes in the mood and feelings of those around it. In this sense, the horse acts as a living biofeedback machine, providing valuable information to the instructor and deepening the effectiveness of the therapy. In addition to emotional, cognitive, and behavioral benefits, EAAT provide incredible physical benefits to a range of individuals.
Read more about our variety of EAAT programs or visit PATH, Intl to read more about the benefits of EAAT.
History of Therapeutic Riding
History records people with disabilities riding horses as early as the days of the ancient Greeks. Orbasis of ancient Lydia documented the therapeutic value of riding in 600 B.C. Even then, it was acknowledged that riding was more than a means of transportation; it was also a way of improving the health and well-being of people with disabilities.
At the turn of the century, England recognized riding for the disabled as a beneficial form of therapy and offered riding therapy for wounded soldiers at the Oxford Hospital during World War I. By the 1950's, British physiotherapists were exploring the possibilities of riding as therapy for all types of disabilities. The British Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) was founded in 1969 with the enthusiastic support of the Royal Family.
Riding therapy was introduced in Scandinavia in 1946 after two devastating outbreaks of poliomyelitis. Lis Hartel, an accomplished horsewoman, was stricken with the disease. Although surgery and physiotherapy helped her to walk again with the aid of crutches, she was determined to ride independently again and began daily supervised riding sessions to improve her muscle strength and coordination. Liz Hartel brought attention to riding for the disabled when she won the silver medal for Dressage at the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games. She and Ulla Harpoth, a physical therapist from Copenhagen, went on to use horses as therapy for their patients.