Diversity
NMSU riding program helps students and community members
New Mexico State University's therapeutic riding program not only benefits students, but also community members with disabilities.
The program started in 2008 with an animal science class, Therapeutic Riding I. A TR instructor class was offered in 2009, and allowed interested students to become certified by NARHA, a federally registered 501(c3) nonprofit, formed in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association to promote equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs.
In May 2009, the students formed the NMSU Therapeutic Riding Association, and in August of the same year, a TR show team was started. This allowed for the most advanced and independent riders to compete in the Las Cruces Horseman's Association Western Division.
The class is available to anyone interested in learning to help with TR lessons, but they must register through the university. Anyone may participate as riders in the class, as long as they are at least four years old.
Those with autism, Down syndrome, ADD/ADHD, cerebral palsy, Asperger's syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, post-traumatic stress disorder and osteoporosis have participated as riders in past classes.
For each rider, there is one horse handler volunteer and two side walkers. The horse handler is in charge of catching, prepping, controlling the horse and reinforcing the rider's aides, if necessary. The side walkers help the rider get on the horse and properly communicate with the animal, as well as reinforce the instructor's directions.
As the rider becomes more independent, fewer volunteers are needed.
During lessons, riders get on their horses and warm up using stretches, then learn horsemanship skills and work on personal goals through exercises and games. They then cool down with stretches and dismount. Riders also can help groom their horses before and after the lesson, along with saddling and unsaddling.
There are numerous benefits for riders participating in the class.
"The horses create an encouraging environment for participants to learn and work on strengthening and stretching exercises. They create an even playing field, where the riders are not seen as ‘disabled' on their horses," said Sarah Veeder, equine science instructor.
The horses also serve as motivators. Many of the riders see physical therapy as boring or painful, but do not view horseback riding as work.
Veeder said the horses' movements are very similar to movements a human would make.
"Our riders that are unable to walk, or walk correctly, can sit on a horse and have their muscles move as if they were walking," she said.
For more information about the program, contact Veeder at 575-646-7450. For more information on the NARHA, visit http://www.narha.org/.
Written by Margaret Kovar.