Horse riding as beneficial therapy was first recognised 3,000 years ago.  It is is also fun. Therefore horse riding is a good way for people with disabilities to receive positive therapy at the same time as participating in an enjoyable recreational activity.

Recognised benefits include:

• Improved balance and posture
• Promotion of body awareness
• promotes decision making and thinking ahead
• develops gross and fine motor skills
• motivation and learning, encourages reading and speech through games
• develops hand-eye co-ordination
• sequencing of actions can be taught
• sensory stimulation through activity and surroundings
• clinical exercises executed in different and pleasant surroundings
• overcoming phobias such as water, heights and animals
• horse riding is a natural Reflex Inhibiting Position
• builds self-confidence and self-esteem, and facilitates social integration
• memory improvement and concentration
• new mobility and access to new areas
• language and communication skills develop
• learning the value of Rules, e.g. safety and discipline
• setting personal challenges leading to achievement
• learning a skill that many able bodied do not have
• contact with animals and learning about their need for welfare
• participation with their peers
• opportunity for competition
• gives the right to take controlled risk
• promotes general feeling of well-being

"In a wheelchair people look down on me. On a horse I look down on them."