Post 9 - Getting the rider ready for the horse

Each individual participating in equine therapy at the place where I volunteer is scheduled for one hour. Some of that hour is getting the rider from wheel chair to the back of the horse. Our session has two individuals in wheel chairs, but they are youngsters so the care team can lift them into the saddle rather than using the wheel chair lift apparatus. The other two have difficulty walking and receive assistance getting up the stairs where they are helped on to the horse’s back. One of the side walkers stands on the ground (a horse width from the stairs) and the horse leader guides the horse between the stair area and the side walker. The leader steadies the horse and keeps him/her calm while the instructor and side walkers help the student get on the horse. Each rider is encouraged to hold the reins and give the horse simple commands.  Our students have many challenges, and the horse therapy helps them strengthen their core which helps breathing, so important to speech, their flexibility, their balance, and their confidence. Most students relish their time on the horse, but by the end of the lesson, they are tired, tired, but happy.