The Youth Light Foundation, Inc.
® Path Light Farm
A Catalyst for Positive Life Long Change…
Therapeutic Horseback Riding _________________________________________________________________
P.0. Box 1655 * Litchfield, CT. 06759
10 Cobble Court, Suite 5, on the green
Tel. (860) 567-0700 * Fax (860) 567-5901
Path Light Farm
Presents
Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Therapeutic riding was first introduced in the United States in
the late 1960’s. The approach utilizes instruction in horseback
riding along with horsemanship skills to assist children with developmental
or psychological disabilities.
Research shows that participants can experience physical, emotional
and mental rewards. The unique relationship formed between a child
and the horse can also lead to increased confidence, patience, and
self-esteem in individuals with mental, emotional or developmental
disabilities.
Therapeutic riding is a Animal-assisted activity. Animal-assisted
therapy is a therapeutic tool, because of the contact with another
living being and the special bond that people form with animals.
However, horses provide more than just skills acquired from a relationship
with an animal learning to care for an animal. Riding a horse provides
a unique and often profound activity for many children. The motion
of the horse, concentration needed to acquire riding skills and
the communication between the instructor and the rider allow people
with a variety of disabilities to benefit from riding.
Riding helps the children interact with others to form meaningful
relationships. Building a relationship with an animal is very rewarding
in many aspects for a person with an emotional, social or psychological
disability. The trust and loyalty an animal shows for children demonstrates
how important these attributes are in personal relationships. The
horse also helps the children feel in control of the situation because
there is a direct correlation between action and reaction.
To learn how to care for and ride a horse, a child must also be
able to communicate efficiently with the horse and the instructor.
In this way, riding is a very social activity, but is less daunting
to children who are uncomfortable in social situations.
The experience of riding a horse is very different, it helps to
empower children and enables them to connect on a personal level.
The sometimes unpredictable nature of animals and situations also
creates a real-life environment in which students will be able to
confront fears and make adjustments to situations beyond their control.
We, at the Youth Light Foundation are estactic to have recently
joined forces with an internationally renouned, multiple (“Horsewoman
of the Year“), Mary Trowbridge, of Trowbridge Arabian Horse
Farm. With the expertise of the Youth Light Foundation, and its
proven reputation, we are working to offer therapeutic horseback
riding by the means of private/therapeutic lessons. Each child in
our program is given specific attention to their every need and
safety in relation to a therapeutic treatment plan.
Contact our office today to arrange for your child to begin on
their happy trails at Path Light Farm!
