Program
At Freedom Reins, our focus is on the ability of each rider, not his or her disability. The results are quite remarkable. These riders are an inspiration to all who have ever wanted a horse and to all who have experienced the joy of riding themselves. The horse provides the challenged rider with a feeling of freedom and independence that might be limited in their everyday life. Equine program activities are used as a form of therapy to achieve physical, psychological, cognitive, behavioral and communication goals.
The objectives of the program will vary with each rider's need. Program objectives might include:
- Improve relaxation of spastic muscles.
- Increase balance, control and strength.
- Improve cardiorespiratory function.
- Increase concentration and patience.
- Increase discipline.
- Improve self-esteem and courage.
- Improve interpersonal relationships.
- Increase motivation.
The rider is expected to experience one or more of the following benefits:
- Therapy – The use of the horse involves a team approach among licensed/credentialed health professionals, therapeutic riding instructors and rider. The rider might be treated in a group or on an individual basis.
- Education – The emphasis is to incorporate cognitive, behavioral, phsychological and physical goals while teaching adapted riding. The horse is a strong motivator for accomplishing these goals.
- Sport – Activities are directed toward the acquisition of skills leading to the accomplishment of specific horsemanship goals. By learning skills needed for the sport, therapeutic and recreational goals are also achieved.
- Recreation & Leisure – Riders may participate in horse-related activities to their maximum ability in an atomosphere of support, structure and socialization for the primary purpose of the enjoyment of the activity. Additional therapeutic benefits in the area of socialization, posture, mobility and an overall improved quality of life are also achieved.