Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic Riding is divided into two distinct approaches:
- HIPPOTHERAPY, which is characterized by an actual therapy session on a horse, conducted or supervised by a certified physical therapist. This is the type of program normally found at standard therapeutic riding facilities.
- ASSISTED RIDING, which centers on teaching the student to become the best rider he or she can be, by maximizing and developing existing strengths and minimizing existing weaknesses.
Our Assisted Riding Program
At 'Bit by Bit,' we've chosen an Assisted Riding approach to special needs riders that's unique in this part of Pennsylvania. Unlike traditional programs designed to instruct ONLY challenged riders, our program fully integrates our special needs riders--effectively "mainstreaming" students of all ages and skill levels.
The riders in our therapeutic riding program face many challenges. No matter what the challenge, however, our goal remains the same--independence. We work to make each student the most independent rider he or she is capable of becoming. Some will become completely self-sufficient riders, while others will master only a single skill such as balance. We encourage every student to ride to the very best of his or her ability.
CHILDREN
At our facility, every student is simply a "rider," regardless of physical or mental challenges. The result is that our special needs students view riding as their 'sport' rather than as another therapy session. Our parents will attest to the fact that we have achieved phenomenal results with the children in terms of their physical, mental and emotional development, thereby increasing their confidence levels in everyday life.
Challenges: Our special needs children face many issues, including cerebral palsy, autism, weakness from chemotherapy, sensory integration issues, Down Syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), Asperger's Syndrome, and more.
ADULTS
We are able to accommodate adult special needs riders as well, providing their physical limitations are not severe. However, we find that ADULTS often have "special needs" completely different from the children.
Challenges: Some of the adults' challenges include chemotherapy, stress, social anxiety disorder, poor physical fitness, overcoming a fear of horses, and lack of confidence after a long break from riding. We also have had beginning riders in their 50's and 60's who require a slow-paced, calm, safe learning environment.
