The benefits of Therapeutic
Riding for individuals with
cerebral palsy
Trish Dooley, March 2018
‘Man often becomes what he believes
himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself
that I cannot do a certain thing, it is
possible that I may really become
incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I
have the belief that I can do it, I shall
surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I
may not have it at the beginning’
Mahatma Gandhi
What are equine therapies?Equine therapies are a form of experiential therapy that
involve interactions with individuals and horses. Horses
are used in therapy to promote emotional and physical
growth. There are four categories of equine therapy:
• Equine facilitated psychotherapy (EFP);
• Equine Facilitated Learning / Equine Assisted Learning
(EFL/EAL);
• Hippotherapy; and
• Therapeutic riding (TR).
These therapies are used for individuals with and without
special needs, including those with physical, cognitive
and emotional issues.
Equine facilitated psychotherapy (EFP)
EFP is defined as an interactive process in which a
licensed mental health professional working with equine
professional partners and suitable horses, addresses
psychotherapy goals established by the mental health
professional and the client. Issues addressed, to name a
few, are depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance
abuse, PTSD and anger management.
The horse is perhaps the most important partner in EFP.
As a domesticated prey animal, they are extremely
sensitive to changes in a human being and will react
differently to people depending on their emotional state.
In essence, the horse acts as a large biofeedback machine
and mirrors each individuals behaviour.
Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL)
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
EFL/EAL is experiential so participants learn by doing
with the horse being the facilitator. The horse is loose
and their size alone encourages an increased sense of
awareness by the participant.
Sessions involve non-verbal communication between the
participant and the horse, with specific tasks being set.
The overall aim is that the participant will focus totally on
the task in hand and its’ successful completion. EFL /
EAL could be described as a fusion between therapy,
education and fun.
Hippotherapy
Hippos is the Greek word for horse. Hippotherapy is a
medically based treatment tool. It is a physical,
occupational or speech and language therapy treatment
strategy that utilises the horses movement.
Hippotherapy helps with coordination, balance and
strength. It is an evidence based practice which involves
the purposeful manipulation of equine movement to
engage sensory, neuromotor and cognitive systems to
achieve functional outcomes.
Therapeutic Riding (TR)
TR is an equine assisted activity for the purpose of
providing constructively to the cognitive, physical,
emotional and social well being of individuals with
special needs. TR delivers benefits in the areas of health,
education, sport, recreation and leisure.
TR improves sensory and motor skills which aid
coordination, balance, posture and core strength. TR
sessions are one to one and are person centred.
Therapeutic Riding (TR)
Horses provide sensory input through movement which is
variable, rhythmic and repetitive, with the three
dimensional movement of the horse’s hips, pelvis and
shoulders at walk facilitating a movement response from
the rider. The walk of the horse mirrors the walk of a
person thus providing transfer movement patterns to the
rider’s lower spine and pelvic regions.
A horse can transfer 110 multi-dimensional swinging
motions in the walk to the rider each minute. As the horse
walks, the rider makes subtle adjustments in his / her body
position in order to try and maintain stability. By being
astride the horse, with the coach giving specific
instructions, the horse naturally helps to increase body
strength, control and balance. This is the basis of TR.
Trish’s Rockin’ Horses
Therapeutic Riding Centre
I qualified as a Therapeutic Riding Coach (FETAC Level
6, Festina Lente, Bray, Co. Wicklow) in 2013 and set up
Trish’s Rockin’ Horses in March of 2014. Based near
Dungarvan in County Waterford, my client base has
increased steadily and to date, I have approximately 60
clients attending therapeutic riding sessions at both my
centre and another equitation centre near Waterford city
where I coach 3 days per week. All therapeutic riding
sessions are person centred and one to one. Assessments
are free of charge as they allow me to plan future sessions
for each individual.
Trish’s Rockin’ Horses
Client base includes individuals with:
• Autism
• Down Syndrome
• ADHD
• Cerebral Palsy
• Dyspraxia
• Low self esteem
• Trauma
• A wish to experience horse riding in a non-stressful
environment.
Case Study: Ciara
Ciara is 17 years old (she’ll be 18 this year).
She was born six and a half weeks prematurely
and diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy at nine
months due to difficulties at birth. Ciara has
spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy with no
mobility. Spastic quadriplegia affects all four
limbs and is the most severe of spastic cerebral
palsy marked by the inability to use the legs,
arms and body. Spastic quadriplegia also
affects the face and torso.
Case Study: Ciara
Ciara and her mother, Jean, first
contacted Trish’s Rockin’ Horses in
March 2017, with a view to Ciara
commencing TR. As I previously
had had a client with ‘locked in’
syndrome who, with voluntary
assistance, did a few sessions of TR,
I was open to meeting Ciara and
Jean and assessing Ciara’s needs
with regard to undertaking TR as a
regular activity. Despite the
challenges Ciara faces on a daily
basis, she is a determined young
lady with a strong advocate, Jean, by
her side.
Ciara’s Assessment
Assessments involve a ‘meet and greet’ to see
how the individual engages with the horse and
usually a short ride so future TR sessions can be
planned based on the individual’s abilities,
strengths and weaknesses. When Ciara arrived
at Kilotteran Equitation Centre (approximately 5
miles from Waterford city centre), we had
arranged a suitable time when it would be quiet
and the centre’s usual commercial activity was
not taking place. This allows the individual
time to take in their new environment and
absorb the sensory experience.
Ciara’s Assessment
When I brought Ernie, the horse, into the arena
to meet Ciara, he walked purposefully towards
her and put his head down to wheelchair level to
engage with her. Ciara’s response was a delight
and it was evident that there was an instant
human equine bond / attachment.
The assessment allowed me to discover that
Ciara is very aware of what is going on around
her and expresses her opinions strongly! Her
main words are ‘yes’, ‘no’ and ‘ridiculous’ and
she was up for any challenge to achieve her
dream of riding a horse.
Ciara’s Assessment
As a TR coach, I have to risk assess and
problem solve on my feet. With the
assistance of volunteers and Ciara’s
family, we lay Ciara across Ernie as this
was the only option available to us at this
time.
For Ciara, it was a totally new experience
and for all who helped that day, it was a
joy to witness.
It was agreed that Ciara would attend
every week for a period of time that
would be measured by her enjoyment
versus discomfort levels.
TR Sessions and Cerebral Palsy
Trish’s Rockin’ Horses had other clients attending also
diagnosed with CP. Being young children, it was much easier
for myself, leaders and sidewalkers to assist during a TR
session.
TR Sessions and Cerebral Palsy
Conducting research, I purchased a ‘double saddle’ from the
US. This allows an individual with limited mobility to ride a
horse with another rider behind them, thus supporting them.
With much excitement, all riders at the centre, had the
opportunity to ride in the double saddle, being supported by
either a parent, carer or myself.
For children with CP, this opened up a whole new world as
they were able to ride sitting upright, and the parents enjoyed
the experience also.
TR Sessions and Ciara
Assessing Ciara and Jean’s
combined weight, it was
decided to trial the double
saddle. As Jean commented
later ‘all we’ve met through life
is barriers, barriers and barriers
and then this happens….’
TR Sessions – double saddle
TR Sessions – double saddle and
Ernie the superstar!
The Independence Saddle
Although Ernie appeared quite comfortable carrying the
combined weight of Ciara and Jean, it was quite difficult at
times for Jean, myself and volunteers to support Ciara.
Researching further, I found the Independence Saddle which is
the result of more than six years research and development.
The saddle is designed to afford rider’s more independence
than any other available adaptive technology.
The Independence Saddle
The saddle is designed to adapt to the needs of each rider. As
strengths and skills improve, the support prompts may be
reduced or even removed. These support prompts include a
head rest, backrest, side arms, forearm supports with hand
grips. There is also an emergency release system should the
rider have to be dismounted in the event of an emergency.
Providing physical, occupational and psychological therapeutic
opportunities, the saddle offers each rider an immeasurable
sense of success and self fulfillment, maximizing quality of
life.
At a cost of €6,000, the centre organised a successful ‘Go Fund
Me’ campaign and the money was raised in 36 hours.
The
Independence
Saddle
The day the saddle was
launched was indeed a
memorable time in my life and
of many others.
Ciara gave me a big hug to
express her joy. Ernie just
chilled and enjoyed the treats.
The Independence Saddle
Today
Ciara was never able to sit unassisted until she commenced TR.
She has an increased core strength and she can now sit for a
couple of seconds with little support. There has been a massive
improvement noted in her physiotherapy sessions since Ciara
started riding a horse. Her well being has also improved.
Sometimes when we see disability, that is all we see. Given the
right environment, people and therapeutic aids, strengths and
abilities can blossom and flourish.
Thank you – any questions?
Bibliography
American Hippotherapy Association, Inc., available from: www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org
Australian Equine Assisted Learning, available from www.efl.net.au
Circles Network, available from www.circlesnetwork.org.uk
Festina Lente, available from www.festinalente.ie
Freedom Rider, available from www.freedomrider.com
Hertfordshire Equine Assisted Learning, available from www.hertsequine.co.uk
Independent Strides, available from www.independentstrides.com
Path International available from: www.pathintl.org
Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy, available from www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com
Strides, available from www.strides.ie
Trish’s Rockin’ Horses Therapeutic Riding Centre, available from www.trishsrockinhorses.com
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