A Personal Perspective

Therapeutic riding is a diverse, expanding, and quickly evolving field.  Specialties range from adaptive riding for students with profound physical or developmental challenges, to hippotherapy, wherein the movement of the horse itself provides a form of physical therapy.  In order to clarify and promote understanding of what we do at Baymare Farm, here is a basic summary of skills taught, lessons learned, and the potential significance of a little “equine interaction” for our clients and students.

The first question I am usually asked when people witness how I conduct a group therapeutic riding lesson is “how is this different from a regular riding lesson?”  My response is that the essential task of teaching elementary riding skills is identical.  What makes it a “therapeutic” experience is that the lesson is structured around the particular needs, challenges, and backgrounds of the riders.

Riding and associating with horses provide the perfect formula for healthy interaction in a small group setting.  Students have to cope with their own anxiety, with their fellow students, the instructor and volunteers, and most importantly, with a large and rather opinionated fellow creature requiring a whole new set of communication skills to manage.  At the same time, students are learning a new physical skill which develops posture, balance, sensitivity, and confidence. The result is a significant, yet appropriate, challenge.

My goal as a teacher is to structure success for any student who is willing to make an effort.  I am blessed in having as teaching associates my generous, tolerant, and wise equine partners.  The horses inspire motivation, interest, and enthusiasm in students who might be withdrawn or apathetic in the classroom or in more conventional therapy/counseling settings.  They instill respect and love at the same time, which is especially valuable in lives that may not have had enough of either.