What is the primary purpose of therapeutic riding?

The primary purpose of therapeutic riding is to enhance the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with disabilities through horseback riding. This modality specifically focuses on addressing therapeutic goals that may include improving motor skills, building confidence, fostering communication, and enhancing social interaction. The riding experience is tailored to meet the individual needs of riders, making it a unique form of therapy that utilizes the horse as a medium for improvement.

Participants in therapeutic riding activities benefit from the movement of the horse, which can have positive effects on their physical and psychological health. This is fundamentally different from offering recreational opportunities for horse lovers, training individuals for professional riding, or promoting competitive equestrian sports, all of which do not primarily aim to address the therapeutic needs of individuals with disabilities. The focus on therapeutic outcomes distinguishes this practice from general recreational riding or competitive training programs.