PHYSICAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS

At Life Horse, we believe in the profound impact of equine therapy, also known as horse therapy, on diverse communities facing unique challenges. Veterans coping with post-traumatic stress disorder, children with physical and developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy and Down syndrome, adults living with Multiple Sclerosis, and teens with behavioral issues all share a common bond: they can benefit immensely from the therapeutic power of horses.

Equine therapy offers an alternative method for addressing physical, emotional, and behavioral issues. Horses, with their instinctive ability to connect deeply with humans, play a crucial role in building confidence, improving strength and stability, and enhancing overall health and wellness. For over 20 years, we have been dedicated to harnessing the unique benefits of horse therapy to meet the therapeutic needs of individuals who may not have found success with traditional therapies.

Complementing Traditional Therapies

Time spent in the saddle can significantly complement the services provided by physical therapists, counselors, medical and behavioral clinics, and disability-support organizations. Each of these entities is essential in creating healthy individuals, families, and communities. We are proud to be part of a network of horse therapy nonprofits that help ensure everyone has the opportunity to flourish and thrive.

Our horses are affectionately called "1,000-pound therapists." These highly intelligent animals are attuned to the needs of those around them, offering emotional support and physical benefits through adaptive lessons tailored to unique needs. For many, horse therapy proves more effective than traditional methods, aiding in strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. Adaptive riding programs help individuals with physical disabilities achieve muscle strengthening, balance improvement, and enhanced hand-eye coordination, leading to overall better health and an improved quality of life.

Join us at Life Horse to experience the healing power of equine therapy and witness firsthand the positive changes it can bring to the lives of individuals in our community.

Horses, by nature, have a natural spirit that is compassionate and intuitive. Horses, unlike people, do not judge or have any preconceived notions about individuals; therefore, they inherently create a safe space for all individuals, regardless of the existence of any disability. By utilizing our horses in a therapeutic manner, we are able to promote hope, growth, and most importantly, we foster a sense of accomplishment as well as independence in our students. These specific traits, we have found, were often hidden, or had yet to manifest for our students prior to participation in equine therapy. 
Additionally, our program works to improve emotional intelligence, which allows participants to become higher functioning members of society, making them more employable into the future.  We never turn away from a challenge and strive to help students reach their full-potential with a concentration on diversity, inclusion, equity, and support, in a therapeutic environment. 
The benefits of Therapeutic Horsemanship are all-encompassing, as this progressive therapy provides growth and enhancement for students physically, psychologically, educationally, and socially. 

• Physical
  • ​​Stretching of tight or spastic muscles
  • Decreased spasticity
  • Increased range of motion of the joints
  • Reduction of abnormal movement patterns
  • Improved appetite and digestion
  • Sensory integration
• Psychological
  • Improved self-confidence
  • Independence
  • Increased interest in the outside world
  • Increased interest in one's own life
  • Development of patience
  • Emotional control and self-discipline
  • Sense of normality
  • Expansion of the focus of control

• Educational
  • Remedial Reading
  • Remedial Math
  • Sequencing, patterning, and motor planning
  • Improved eye-hand coordination
  • Visual spatial perception
  • Differentiation
• Social
  • Friendship
  • Increased experiences
  • Enjoyment
  • Independence