| Therapy
and Rehabilitation. |
Riding is an enjoyable form of healthy, outdoor
exercise. It is an exciting. challenging and motivating activity, based
on rhythm and symmetry.
The therapy horse is a warm, flexible and responsive animal, friendly and
undemanding.
The horses walking action is three-dimensional, with movement up and down, side to
side, and backwards and forwards, a pattern which corresponds to the physiology of the
human walk. Adjustments by a rider's body to these rhythms while striving to maintain
balance. alternately activates and relaxes the muscles, particularly those of the trunk,
spine, hips and pelvis. Many riders do not use saddles, but ride on cloths or sheepskins
to gain maximum benefits from the warmth and movement of the horse. The horse and its
movement can also be used in specialist therapeutic techniques such as
"Hippotherapy" which involves the rider being positioned in various ways on the
horse. These are carried out under the direction of an RDA therapist, trained specifically
in these techniques.
In all cases, the therapeutic use of the horse involves a team
approach of the riding instructor and assistants, the medical or educational
professionals, the rider and his or her support people, and of course the horse. |
| Teaching
Equestrian Skills. |
The aim of RDA is to teach equestrian skills.
These
skills are transferable into rehabilitation and training in aspects of daily life. Riding
and interaction with horses motivates people to achieve independence and personal goals.
Instructors also gain skills through completion of NZQA unit standards as part
of the National Certificate in Equine and learn coaching skills which are transferable to
other sports. |
