Services

This is a specialist physiotherapy intervention that uses the 3 dimensional movement of the horse in walk to correct and improve movement, balance, core strength, in the person on the horse. It has been shown to benefit children with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, brain and spinal cord injuries and many other people with movement disorders. Research has shown that the functional ability of these people improves following a course of Hippotherapy and can be maintained over a follow up period. Children with autism and other learning disabilities have also benefited from this form of therapy.

Therapeutic riding involves the person receiving instruction in horsemanship and riding skills and involves combining teaching skills with fun activities. The progressive rhythmic motion of the horse provides therapeutic benefit as it stimulates the muscles in the rider to help with core strength and balance. The movement of the horse is found to be similar to that of the human pelvis. Exercises taught can improve flexibility, hand eye co-ordination, concentration and has also been found to improve self esteem, problem solving and communication skills. The specialist skills of our team who have experience in healthcare, special education needs and education allows us to cater for all children with additional needs where a normal riding school may not have the expertise to cope.

This uses the interaction with the horse to promote physical and emotional well-being. This usually does not involve sitting on the horse, just being around the horse. A relationship with a horse can offer challenges to overcome fears, build up trust, respect, compassion, develop communication skills, problem solving and coping techniques, self confidence and self-esteem. These skills are transferable to many other areas of ordinary life.

Equine Facilitated learning utilises the horse-human interaction together with a coaching-based approach and can help improve the anxiety and lack of confidence that are common problems with stress, anxiety and other mental health concerns. It is a unique learning experience where the horses are active participants, no prior riding experience is necessary as it is not performed on the horse. During the interaction with the horse, their natural responses provide immediate feedback to the actions and behaviour of the participant, facilitating improved self awareness. Some of the activities involve ground work exercises in an arena that help build a relationship with the horse, improve confidence and self esteem. These sessions involve a cycle of instruction, response, reflection and feedback which enables the participant to communicate with the horse in a way that the horse understands through body language and movement. Working with the horse van be hugely rewarding and empowering to promote a positive change in each individual. The tranquillity, peace and natural environment that each individual experiences when they visit REACH assists in providing a safe place to process their feelings and address each of their individual challenges in a fun, relaxed and non judgemental way.

Our new education centre is now up and running. Our aim is to be able to provide an alternative educational provision to students in the area who do not attend main stream school, based around horses and stable management. We are also supported through the RDA to provide various ASDAN programmes including Animal care, RDA proficiency tests and Endeavour awards.

To support our aim and value statement we can also provide support to the public that wish to learn and further their qualifications in horse care and physiotherapy.   The centre will provide an opportunity to have work experience students from animal care courses at local colleges, physiotherapy students and school children for work experience and community based voluntary work.