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Benefits of Horseback Riding

Benefits of Horseback Riding

Educational Benefits

Remedial Reading


Sequencing, patterning and motor planning


Improved eye-hand coordination

Eye hand coordination is necessary for such skills as writing. These skills are taught in tacking the horse, as well as various activities and exercises.

Visual spatial perception.



The rider learns to differentiate significant from less significant stimuli in the environmental. An improvement in this area occurs as the rider learns to attend to his horse and those things that may influence the horse as opposed to attending the environment in general.

Social Benefits


Although riding can be a solitary activity, it is normally performed in groups. Riders share a common love of horses and a common experience of riding -- a good foundation on which to build a friendship.

Development of respect and love for animals


Increased experiences

The variety of experiences involved in riding is endless. From tacking and grooming to trail riding, from going to horse shows to learning the parts of a horse, the rider is constantly experiencing and growing. The horse also provides the rider with the ability to go places otherwise inaccessible due to the disability.



Psychological Benefits

General sense of well-being

Exercise in the fresh air of a ranch, away from hospitals, doctors office, therapy rooms, or home help to promote a sense of well-being.

Improved self-confidence

Confidence is gained by mastering a skill normally performed by able-bodied-people. The ability to control an animal much larger and stronger than oneself is a great confidence builder. Participating in events such as shows and play days add to the sense of achievement.

Increased interest in the "outside world"

For those confined by a disability, the world tends to shrink in size. Riding increases interest in what is happening around the rider, as the rider explores the world from the back of a horse. Even exercising becomes interesting when done on horseback.                                                                                                                                                            ­

Increased interest in one's own life

The excitement of riding and the experiences involved stimulate the rider, encouraging the rider to speak and communicate about it.

Improved risk-taking abilities 

 Riding is a risk sport. The rider learns to master fears though the act of staying on the horse, as well as attempting new skills and positions on the horse.

Development of patience

Since the horse has a mind of it's own, the rider learns patience as he or she attempts to perform skills on the horse when the horse is not cooperating. Repetition of basic riding principles also helps to develop patience.

Emotional control and self-discipline

The rider quickly learns that an out-of-control rider means an out-of-control horse. Shouting, crying, and emotional outbursts upset the horse, which in turn frightens the rider. Riders learn to control these emotions and appropriately express them.

Sense of normality

By being able to master a skill considered difficult by the able population, the rider experiences him/herself as being normal.

Expansion of the locus of control

The rider begins to view him/herself as having control over his/her world as control over a powerful animal increases.

Decreased spasticity


Many of the developmental vaulting positions are  also designed to break up or reduce spastically. Fatigue also helps to decrease plasticity by producing relaxation.           

Increased range of motion of the joints.


the act of mounting and dismounting, tacking up, grooming, and exercises during lessons.

Reduction of abnormal movement patterns


Improved respiration and circulation

Although riding is not normally considered a cardiovascular exercise, trotting and cantering do increase both respiration and circulation.

Improved appetite and digestion.

Like all forms of exercise, riding stimulates the appetite. The digestive tract is also stimulated, increasing the efficiency of digestion.

Sensory integration


Physical Benefits

Improved balance

As the horse moves, the rider is constantly thrown off-balance, requiring that the rider's muscles contract and relax in an attempt to re-balance. This exercise reaches deep muscles not accessible in conventional physical therapy.


Strengthened muscles


Improved coordination, faster reflexes, and better motor planning.


Stretching of tight or spastic muscles

Sitting on a horse requires stretching of the adductor muscles of the thighs. This is accomplished by pre-stretching prior to mounting the horse, and starting the rider off on a narrow horse, gradually working to wider and wider horses. Gravity helps to stretch the calf muscles as the rider sits on the horse without stirrups. Riding with stirrups helps to stretch the heel cords. Stomach and back muscles are stretched as the rider is encouraged to maintain an upright posture against the movement of the horse. Arm and hand muscles are stretched as part of routine exercises on the horse and by the act of holding and using the reins.





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