Centered Riding® For The Physically Challenged

Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

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Judy Cross-Strehlke of Northern Maine Riding Adventures is providing riding programs for those with physical and emotional disabilities. Mrs. Cross-Strehlke has been teaching riding to the mentally and physically challenged since 1984 when she received her instructor´s certification from The Cheff Center for the Disabled in Augusta, Michigan. She specializes in helping people with disabilities meet their individual goals through learning to ride horses. We promote the social, physical and emotional well-being of our riders through interactions with a horse, an instructor or therapist and volunteers. The horse stimulates the body, the instructor and therapist create the learning situation, and the volunteers provide the hands that lead a horse and steady the rider.

Since moving to a new location in 1987. Judy has been working to develop appropriate facilities to continue her programs. The current facilities include a spacious indoor arena, and a barn with a heated tack room.

Last summer in conjunction with CHCS, Judy started Adventure Therapy with the horses for adolescence with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Adventure therapy has proven to have a significant impact on a persons self awareness, self esteem,and empathy for others that often lead to healthier living in a quicker and more direct fashion than other modalities of treatment.

Offered in a group setting, programs are designed to help people develop positive peer relationships and to function appropriately and successfully in social situations. Horses provide an immediate feedback to the student and allow them to become aware of how their behavior affects others. Inherent in each lesson is the challenge to try a new experience and learn a new skill which builds self confidence . Designed with sequential learning steps, therapeutic riding helps children with learning difficulties master this skill in a success oriented environment where children and adults can learn at their own speed.

Students in the program stay at the private campground at the farm in Dover-Foxcroft. They help with the care of the horses and ride twice each day. There is swimming at the local public beach and group processing sessions for both students and staff each day. Staff include counselors, rehabilitation workers, and riding instructors. Each student comes with personal goals that they work on during the trip. Riding goals include a trail ride of different lengths and difficulties depending on the level of riding skill that is reached.



   What is Therapeutic Riding?

The first centers for therapeutic riding in North America began operation in the 1960´s. NARHA, formed in 1969, consisted of four member centers and 60 individual members during its founding year. Today, the number of NARHA-affiliated centers and members has drastically increased to more than 500 centers and 2,500 individual members. There are more than 26,000 riders who take part in NARHA programs with the help of 1,100 instructors, 20,000 volunteers, 600 licensed therapists and 4,000 therapy horses.

Individuals of all ages, with a wide range of physical, cognitive and/or emotional disabilities benefit from therapeutic horseback riding and other equine activities. The types of disabilities and conditions served include: Amputations, Autism, Brain Injuries, Cardiovascular Accident/Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Emotional Disabilities, Hearing Impairments, Learning Disabilities, Mental Retardation, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Post Polio Speech Impairments, Spina Bifida, Spinal Cord Injuries, and Visual Impairments.

Before participating in therapeutic horseback riding activities, individuals need to consult with their physicians. NARHA riding centers require each prospective rider to present a complete medical history and physician's statement signed by their physician prior to a therapeutic riding session. The benefits of horseback riding are as numerous as the types of disabilities and conditions served. Research shows that students who participate in therapeutic riding can experience physical, emotional and mental rewards. Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength.

For individuals with mental or emotional disabilities, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience and self-esteem. The sense of independence found on horseback benefits all who ride. The therapeutic qualities of horseback riding are recognized by many medical professionals, including the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association.



Medical Benefits:

Dr. Louis Wagner, Retired, Chest and Vascular Surgeon, Franklin, PA: "A horse's walking action mimics your body action. So, when you put somebody on a horse, in order to keep their balance, they have to move their trunk, arms, shoulders, head and the rest of their body. Only a live creature can make happen what is so beneficial. Nautilus® and other exercise machines work only one group of muscles at a time. They don't require you to respond to them with natural body movements. A horse makes your whole body respond in a smoothly rhythmic, progressive way."

Dr. Walter Bobechko, Director of Humana Advanced Surgical Institute, Orthopedic Center of Dallas, TX: "Therapeutic riding is extremely effective with: adult stroke patients, adults or children with brain injuries or children with cerebral palsy.

"In addition to the physical benefits, therapeutic riding offers psychological benefits because riders feel a sense of achievement and control. Therapeutic riding requires balance and muscular control that often enhances or expedites recovery. The slow, continuous, rhythmic motion of the gait of the horse is therapeutic and helps develop the muscles around the spine."

Dr. Peter Moskovitz, Orthopedic Surgeon, George Washington University Hospital, Washington, D.C.: "Horseback riding is an effective means of therapeutic treatment, especially among patients with neuromuscular-related problems or disabilities. "Psychological functions such as improved self-image, perceptions of mastery and improved confidence appear to result from equestrian therapy." Young people with cerebrospastic neuromuscular disorders who participate in therapeutic riding show better range of hip and knee motion, improved sitting balance and ambulatory capacities. They have a more positive and cooperative attitude toward their regular physical therapy."

Robert T. Kramer, Chief, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor University Medical Center, Children's Medical Center, Presbyterian Medical Center, Dallas, TX: "Therapeutic riding transcends traditional therapeutic methods and provides people with the joy of participating in a program that offers social, athletic and personal rewards, while providing benefits as well."

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