CLEVELAND COUNTY HEARTS AND HOOVES INC

Why We Do What We Do

What is therapeutic riding?

Therapeutic riding is an equine-assisted activity for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with special needs. Therapeutic riding provides benefits in the areas of health, education, sport, recreation and leisure.

How Does it Help Participants?

The movement and unique walking gait of a horse or pony most closely resembles that of a human. Therefore, when a person is riding a horse, the rhythm and motion is therapeutic; the body gains strength and coordination through its adjustment to the horse's gait. Participants also have to practice verbal skills, interactions with both humans and horses and practice shapes, colors and many other cognitive skills while working in the arena.