North Idaho Therapeutic Horse Riding

Contact

Laura Seibert, Director: 208-553-3590

Path International Certified Riding Instruction,  Social Work graduate of 2016.  

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide an environment available to the community for learning new skills, achieving new goals, building confidence, and gaining independence through therapeutic horsemanship. We value inclusiveness and our program provides adaptive equipment, custom saddles, and a wheelchair ramp. Instructors provide individualized objectives, so that participants can develop the skills to achieve their goals within their abilities in a safe a healthy environment.

Through the use of therapeutic horsemanship, we strive to bring encouragement into the lives of the people we serve, provide them with a renewed sense of self, and give them an

opportunity for growth.

Benefits of Therapeutic Horse Riding

There are many benefits of therapeutic horse riding for people of all ages. Here are some of the specific benefits that therapeutic horse riding can provide:

• Physical benefits: Therapeutic horse riding can help encourage physical activity, improve balance and coordination, and strengthen muscles. The motion of the horse moves the human pelvis similar to the human gate. It can also help improve cardiovascular function and promote healthy breathing.

• Emotional benefits: Horse riding can be very therapeutic and calming, providing relief from anxiety, depression, and stress. It can also improve self-confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of accomplishment.

• Cognitive benefits: Horse riding can improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and problem-solving. It can also improve communication skills, socialization, and reduce social isolation.

• Sensory benefits: Horse riding can help stimulate the senses of touch, smell, and sight, providing sensory integration that can improve physical and emotional health.

• Behavioral benefits: Horse riding can help improve behavioral issues, such as hyperactivity, aggression, and impulsiveness. It can also provide a positive outlet for emotional expression.

Overall, therapeutic horse riding provides a unique and beneficial form of therapy that can help individuals of all ages improve physical, emotional, cognitive, sensory, and behavioral health.

Ages of Therapeutic Horse Riding

Therapeutic horse riding can be beneficial for people of all ages, including children, teens, adults, and seniors. In fact, many therapeutic horse riding programs cater to individuals of all ages and are specifically designed to meet the needs of each age group. Some programs may have age restrictions for safety reasons, but in general, anyone who is physically and emotionally capable of participating can benefit from therapeutic horse riding. However, some therapeutic horse riding programs may have a minimum age requirement for the safety of the rider or to ensure that the rider can properly communicate their needs and follow instructions. It's best to check with individual programs for specifics regarding their age requirements.

North Idaho Therapeutic Horse Riding 501c(3)