Analysis Of Boyd And Roux's Article: Parents Perceptions Of Therapeutic Horseback Riding
In Boyd and Roux’s article, “‘When he’s up there he’s just happy and content’: Parents’ perceptions of therapeutic horseback riding” they discuss their findings related to therapeutic horseback riding, known as THR, and its effects on children who have disabilities South Africa. Though there is limited research on the subject, any relevant studies have shown that THR improves emotional and physical functions in children. Some notable improvements include gross motor skills such as running or jumping, postural control and balance, and coordination. Psychological benefits include confidence boosts, more social participation, and improved communication skills particularly for those within the autism spectrum (Boyd & Roux, 2017, p. 2). Prior research
…show more content…
3). All parents reported that THR had benefited their child on physical, psychological, and social levels. The most noted effects appeared to be physical, posture and core stability was improved, stretching of tight muscles as well as strengthening them, two parents also reported that their child was able to walk better due to THR. A significant psychological benefit that the parents saw was an increase in confidence and independence. Other psychological improvements included increased focus, academic improvement, concentration and comprehension, and overall happiness. Parents also enjoyed how THR has no limits, meaning any child with any disability can participate. Some other notable effects seen by the parents include improvements in social confidence and the ability to be calmer and relax. While watching their children in the program, the parent’s experience was also positive. For example, they felt uplifted by the environment and seeing other parents who were in similar situations, felt relief in knowing they were not alone and that their children had opportunities, seeing their children happy created satisfaction, and wished their children could have more time weekly to ride
3). All parents reported that THR had benefited their child on physical, psychological, and social levels. The most noted effects appeared to be physical, posture and core stability was improved, stretching of tight muscles as well as strengthening them, two parents also reported that their child was able to walk better due to THR. A significant psychological benefit that the parents saw was an increase in confidence and independence. Other psychological improvements included increased focus, academic improvement, concentration and comprehension, and overall happiness. Parents also enjoyed how THR has no limits, meaning any child with any disability can participate. Some other notable effects seen by the parents include improvements in social confidence and the ability to be calmer and relax. While watching their children in the program, the parent’s experience was also positive. For example, they felt uplifted by the environment and seeing other parents who were in similar situations, felt relief in knowing they were not alone and that their children had opportunities, seeing their children happy created satisfaction, and wished their children could have more time weekly to ride