Therapeutic Horse Riding
The Benefits of Horse Riding as Part of the School Curriculum
For this seminar paper therapeutic horse riding is defined as equine assisted activities. Over time therapeutic horse riding has been utilised to cover a variety of equine activities in which a range of children with special educational needs participate. This involves mounted activities and riding disciplines taught by a certified riding for the disabled instructor.
The seminar paper will explore the perceived benefits that horse riding has as part of the physical education curriculum for children with special educational needs. The paper introduces the physical benefits of horse riding and questions what the potential benefits are. Furthermore the paper draws attention on …show more content…
Equine assisted activities have been recognised as improving the quality of life for many individuals with almost any cognitive, physical and/or emotional disability (Elliott, et al, 2008, p.2; Bass, et al, 2009, p.1; Scott, 2005, p.11). Often, children with special educational needs can experience a combination of the above difficulties. Consequently, they need a high quality physical education that meets their needs (Training and Development Agency for Schools, 2009, p.4). Therefore having access to different types of physical activities within the setting, will develop a range of experiences and reduce barriers to participation (Hayes & Stidder, 2003, p.17). Furthermore, Pond (et al, 2011, p.39) suggests horse riding improves behaviour, encourages responsibility and development of new skills. In addition Samfira & Petroman (2011, p.153) claim that animal assisted activities have a positive impact on behaviour and education. Research studies have shown that the …show more content…
There are very few current published studies measuring the effects of riding therapy programs. As demonstrated, equine-assisted interventions draw on an impressive variety of disciplines and perspectives. To move forward, studies must begin to focus on and answer some of the most basic questions. With a few exceptions, research is not up to date. There are very few current published studies measuring the effects of equine assisted programs for the author to critically analyse. For future practice to support the children’s learning and development, based upon knowledge and understanding, the author will work collaboratively within her setting to encourage the development of cross curricular planning to support the equine assisted activities. This could be the rationale for future
For this seminar paper therapeutic horse riding is defined as equine assisted activities. Over time therapeutic horse riding has been utilised to cover a variety of equine activities in which a range of children with special educational needs participate. This involves mounted activities and riding disciplines taught by a certified riding for the disabled instructor.
The seminar paper will explore the perceived benefits that horse riding has as part of the physical education curriculum for children with special educational needs. The paper introduces the physical benefits of horse riding and questions what the potential benefits are. Furthermore the paper draws attention on …show more content…
Equine assisted activities have been recognised as improving the quality of life for many individuals with almost any cognitive, physical and/or emotional disability (Elliott, et al, 2008, p.2; Bass, et al, 2009, p.1; Scott, 2005, p.11). Often, children with special educational needs can experience a combination of the above difficulties. Consequently, they need a high quality physical education that meets their needs (Training and Development Agency for Schools, 2009, p.4). Therefore having access to different types of physical activities within the setting, will develop a range of experiences and reduce barriers to participation (Hayes & Stidder, 2003, p.17). Furthermore, Pond (et al, 2011, p.39) suggests horse riding improves behaviour, encourages responsibility and development of new skills. In addition Samfira & Petroman (2011, p.153) claim that animal assisted activities have a positive impact on behaviour and education. Research studies have shown that the …show more content…
There are very few current published studies measuring the effects of riding therapy programs. As demonstrated, equine-assisted interventions draw on an impressive variety of disciplines and perspectives. To move forward, studies must begin to focus on and answer some of the most basic questions. With a few exceptions, research is not up to date. There are very few current published studies measuring the effects of equine assisted programs for the author to critically analyse. For future practice to support the children’s learning and development, based upon knowledge and understanding, the author will work collaboratively within her setting to encourage the development of cross curricular planning to support the equine assisted activities. This could be the rationale for future