Golden Dreams Therapeutic Riding Center

The short answer is because it is heartwarming. Examples: watching students begin our program who could not sit upright on the horse progress to independent riding. Or the parents who report their children’s progress from nonverbal status to voluntary greetings and conversations with horses and fellow riders.

A More Technical Answer is that individuals with almost any cognitive, physical and/or emotional disability can benefit from therapeutic riding through safe and supervised interaction with horses—riding spurs students’ Sophiephysical, cognitive, and emotional growth. Through the horse's rhythmic motion, the rider is better able to organize information to the brain, which allows for greater concentration and memory. The horse provides an unconditional partnership where increased self esteem, self empowerment, and a sense of well-being can flourish. The horse's body provides warmth to muscles with high tone thereby aiding in relaxation. Other physical benefits include increased muscle strength, improved balance, joint mobility, and coordination. Through social interaction with peers, volunteers, and instructors, our riders are able to learn and build relationships in a nonjudgmental, safe, and supportive environment. And a sense of responsibility develops as the rider learns to take part in the care of the horses and equipment.