DBowman
Active member
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2007
- Messages
- 74
- Reason
- DX UMND/PLS
- Country
- US
- State
- Virginia
- City
- Harrisonburg
For those of you who thought you'd NEVER be able to get on a horse again(like me), there IS a way you MAY be able! I had heard of therapeutic horseback riding and knew it helped people in wheelchairs, people with emotional and physical disabilities etc. so I Googled therapeutic horseback riding in Va.(my state) and a few places popped up! I chose the Hoofbeats program at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Va. and they told me I qualified because I have enough trunk control to sit upright unassisted. I am paying $200.00 for 8 sessions(once a week). You may be able to pay $25.00 each session if it's more convenient to your pocketbook. I was nervous as to how this all happened but they have great horses and a ramp to roll your wheelchair or walker up...and they help you on the horse and someone leads it and someone walks beside you...you get the feel of riding again and you'll do more each time.
I've had 2 sessions so far...my first horse was big and tall and I had to concentrate on feeling secure on his back BUT after the (specially trained) teachers assessed me they switched me to a shorter horse with a shorter, smoother stride and IT WAS SUPER! You may have to experience different horses to get the right one for YOU! I am THRILLED to be on a horses back again!
I've had 2 sessions so far...my first horse was big and tall and I had to concentrate on feeling secure on his back BUT after the (specially trained) teachers assessed me they switched me to a shorter horse with a shorter, smoother stride and IT WAS SUPER! You may have to experience different horses to get the right one for YOU! I am THRILLED to be on a horses back again!