Our 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 communications goals.
The objective of the program will vary with each rider's need. Program objectives might include:
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Improve relaxation of spastic muscles
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Increase balance, control and strength
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Improve cardiorespiratory function
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Increase concentration and patience
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Increase discipline
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Improve self-esteem and courage
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Improve interpersonal relationships
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Increase motivation
The rider is expected to experience one or more of the following benefits:
Education
The emphasis is to incorporate cognitive, behavioral, psychological and physical goals while teaching adapted riding. The horse is a strong motivator for accomplishing these goals.
Recreation & Leisure
Riders may participate in horse-related activities to their maximum ability in an atmosphere 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.
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.
Therapy
The use of the horse involves a team approach among therapeutic riding instructors, horse leader, side-walker(s) and rider. The rider might be treated in a group or on an individual basis.