Horses Benefit Your Health

Equine Therapy Helped Me Walk Again!

I was looking for ways to get more balance in my life, physically and emotionally. My research introduced me to the healing powers of horses. They have heightened perception and cognitive abilities, exceptional memories, and they understand words. Riding and grooming horses reap emotional and physical benefits. 

Yet I wondered, how could riding a horse help me walk? My spinal cord was severed during surgery, leaving me paralyzed from the waist down. I was wheelchair dependent for ten years. 

I met with a certified PATH International instructor for equine therapy. Hope lifted my heart after I toured the farm and stables. I had the opportunity to observe several young riders during their lesson. The students were accompanied by volunteers walking alongside them. The riders had perfect posture and smiled as they focused on the training course. It was evident they enjoyed their lessons. 

A awave of calmness swept over me during my visit to the stables. I was intrigued by the success stories of the riders and knew I had to join the program. Despite being skeptical, my strong determination to improve my gait prompted me to enroll in a riding program. 

After medical clearance and an evaluation, I began a regimen designed specifically for me. It was challenging to mount the horse, as my muscles had atrophied, and my hip flexors were sluggish. Once in the saddle and my feet in the stirrups, I was relaxed and eager to begin. I had to learn to grip the reigns and pay attention to my posture. Every movement had to be precise for the horse to respond to my commands. After just eight lessons, my gait improved, I was sleeping better at night, my mood elevated, and I felt recharged. 

I’m a believer! My riding lessons were incredibly therapeutic, especially after a long pandemic harboring isolation and depression. The key to a balanced life is finding inner peace and contentment. These beautiful, hoofed herbivores successfully treat the whole person. Everyone should recharge and ride a horse!