Research has shown that therapeutic horseback riding offers many physical, emotional and mental benefits.
For someone with impaired mobility, it can help them tone their muscles and improve posture and mobility. For people with cognitive or emotional disabilities, the unique bond between a horse and its rider helps improve interpersonal relationships and build social interaction and trust.
Special Equestrians Therapeutic Riding Center works with clients with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Autism Spectrum Disorders, traumatic brain injuries, sensory processing disorders, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Post-traumatic stress disorder and age-related disabilities.
Janice Witt, OTR/L , executive director of Special Equestrians Therapeutic Riding Center, spoke to Access Network about the nonprofit’s mission and programs and how the community can get involved.
Witt told Access Network that the mission of the nonprofit is “to improve the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals with disabilities through the equine experience.”
Witt started riding at a young age and began teaching therapeutic riding when she was an undergraduate at Ursinus College and received her PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding certification at Thorncroft Equestrian Center in 2014. She also holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Temple University.
Special Equestrians was founded in 1982 by Kathy Quinn, a therapeutic riding instructor. Today it is a PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) International Premier Accredited Center.
The nonprofit is committed to serving anyone who can benefit from its therapeutic services, regardless of their ability to pay. For families who cannot afford the lesson fee, there is tuition assistance available funded by donations, grants and fundraising events.
Located in Warrington, the center offers both individual and group programs including therapeutic riding which combines traditional riding instruction with specialized work based on each rider’s skills and needs, occupational and physical therapy, mental health programs, cancer support, scout groups and Silver Saddles.
On the healing nature of horses, Witt explained that horses are herd animals and to stay alive they rely on their ability to sense non-verbal cues and energy.
Horses can sense what we are feeling, she said, sometimes better than we do and can mirror those feelings back to us. If a horse senses you are angry, it may shy away and become stubborn.
Building a strong bond with a horse can help improve self-awareness as well as communication with others, she said.
Equine-assisted therapies have been shown to increase core muscle tone, improve mobility through the strength and flexibility in legs, increased self-esteem and confidence, improved cognitive and learning skills, and enhanced self-awareness and social skills.
On the challenges the nonprofit faces, Witt said, the biggest is the very limited access to services and a big demand. They have over 400 riders on their wait list.
“Equine-assisted therapies are not well funded or researched so less accessible,” she said.
How Can the Community Help?
Witt said there are many ways community members can support Special Equestrians Therapeutic Riding Center’s mission.
The center always welcomes volunteers. The minimum age is 14, no experience with horses required. You can help care for the horses, work with clients, or organize or attend fundraisers.
All donations are also greatly appreciated. You can make a financial donation to support the nonprofit’s mission or even a specific rider, program or horse. You can also purchase items needed for the horses and riders off the Barn Wish List.
For more information about Special Equestrians Therapeutic Riding Center, visit the nonprofit’s website here.
