44: The Healing Effects of Horses on Teens

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kathryn Yuma is the Development Manager at Hearts & Horses, a therapeutic riding center in Loveland, Colorado. The mission at Hearts & Horses is to promote the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social wellbeing of people with special needs. In this episode, Kathryn talks about the magic of therapeutic riding and why it can be an excellent choice for teens struggling with social and emotional issues, teens at risk, and teens who need physical and occupational therapy.  </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The natural gait (movement) of the horse stimulates human walking movement in a manner that cannot be replicated mechanically. While riding, participants must constantly make postural adjustments to maintain their balance, which in turn increases their overall balance, orientation, and body awareness. Other benefits include improved muscle tone, posture, range of motion, flexibility, social skills and emotional well-being. In addition, our horses provide a non-judgmental relationship, accepting individuals for who they are regardless of physical, emotional, or social abilities.</span></p> <p><br /> <br /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Key Takeaways</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">What makes a horse so special? </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Do you have to love horses to begin riding or working with a horse? </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Hippotherapy is horse interactive therapy services that are a direct medical treatment provided by a licensed physical therapist or occupational therapist and can start as young as age two. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">The Changing Leads Program is designed to help youth-at-risk find friendship, develop trust and form a deep connection through partnering with a hors