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When a child is handicapped, they can lack the freedom to move and play, the carefree play and movement that other children are privileged to enjoy. They may feel isolated from other children, not being able to play with them freely. These issues can cause emotional and physical problems.

These children need a release of emotion and energy, the freedom a child feels when running across an open field, a friend who welcomes then, without judgement, and enjoys their friendship, offers support and increases confidence. This is where the horse or pony is invaluable, just watching the grace and beauty of horses is therapeutic, the open air and surroundings are therapeutic and the friendship and freedom that a horse provides is a benefit that everyone should be able to experience.

With a little preparation, most children can enjoy riding, saddles with handles can be provided, assistants to lead the horse, and with an understanding, patient instructor the child can achieve things on horseback that they maybe would never do otherwise.

Exercises can be done, depending on the child's ability and balance, swinging the arms, circling them while in the saddle is an enjoyable way to exercise, builds confidence and muscle control. Steering between cones helps co ordination and control. If in a group lesson, races, both individual and groups will be rewarding to the children, allowing achievable goals and the excitement and bonding of team work.

The muscle control and balance required for riding is different to sitting or walking so the body, even with a gentle walk on horseback gets exercised in a way that would not occur in any other place. Co-ordination is improved as depending on the child and their restrictions, will use their hands or legs and body weight to ride the horse.

If the lanes are quiet and the child is confident, a hack along lanes on a safe pony will provide a sense of freedom and an enjoyment of scenery that would be difficult to replicate. The feeling of pride and achievement that this brings to most people when first riding a horse is clear to see, to a child who is restricted in daily movements and activities it brings so much pleasure and self confidence.

With children with limited vision or hearing, the different senses experienced, in the countryside on horseback will be so enhanced, the movements of the horse, the warm scent of horse and leather, the sound of their hooves are memories that will be treasured forever and associated with the feeling of achievement, freedom and confidence that the horse brings.
If a child is able to help prepare the horse before and look after him afterwards and help around the stables it will further increase the bond with the horse and confidence of the child.

It is important that children, especially handicapped children get the opportunity to ride as the benefits are so great, both emotionally and physically.

Learn more about this author, Angel Quinton.
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