THERAPEUTIC horse riding has finally been introduced to Zululand children last weekend.
Equidae Therapeutic Riding held its opening day at the Saddle Club in Richards Bay.
The two-day event offered assistance to children suffering from a range of disabilities such as multiple sclerosis, autism, cerebral palsy, mental disabilities, learning disabilities and orthopaedic conditions, as well as social fun riding.
Children were assessed by professional rehabilitative riding coach Helen Davies, while parents were offered information about riding programmes.
Piet and Geraldine Theunissen set up the project after their son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
‘I wanted to help other children with the same condition and other disabilities. I believe horse riding has a huge impact on improving disabled children’s challenges,’ said Piet.
The exercise is believed to improve balance, muscle strength, reflexes, discipline and motor skills, while it also psychologically boosts self-confidence, patience, interpersonal skills and reduces stress and help with difficult learning.
‘Children with disabilities can’t communicate properly, and they don’t function as other children. With therapeutic horse riding they can communicate on a physical level, and are given a chance to recover,’ said Davis.
