Horses have great healing power. Just being around horses, grooming horses and petting, they can be therapeutic. However, riding horses creates an energy all its own. Riding a horse gives a sense of freedom and empowerment. In addition to the healing power and energy of riding horses, a person can also learn balance and increase their fine motor skills and ability to focus on their surroundings. Because the gait of the horse is similar in form to a persons gait, the riding of a horse helps strengthen the spine and pelvic muscles as well as increasing the riders coordination and mobility of the joints. It also creates stronger self-esteem and worth. When the rider learns how to control the horse as well as their body, self-confidence, teamwork and responsibility are fostered. Throughout the world, the benefits of horseback riding are lauded as therapeutic. On a regular basis, now, programs have started up to help people with developmental delays and people that have endured traumatic events. These programs seek to help those with developmental delays increase their ability to function. Equine assisted psychotherapy is used in conjunction with a licensed psychotherapist to help those who are struggling with traumatic situations. This allowing them to deal with their fears and emotions in a less confrontational way, but creates an environment that fosters trust and allows a person to deal with the issues facing them.
