A horse is not only a beautiful, powerful, strong and potent creature…a horse is a loyal friend, someone who is always going to be there for you at all times, someone caring, and most of all, someone that loves tender hugs and sweet kisses.
Doctors have now ultimately discovered that horses help disabled children, specifically Down Syndrome children.
For those who are not well aware, Down Syndrome children have a chromosomal abnormality, where there are 27 genes instead of 26 genes, the extra gene causes certain abnormalities such as mental retardation and other developmental delays.
Down syndrome children tend to have Atlantoaxial Instability, where the vertebrates of the spine are misplaced, causing the children to struggle when walking.
Through movements of a horse, horseback riding helps Down Syndrome children connect their ligaments in the spine together which are supposed to help the vertebrate.
Therapy with horses is emotionally rewarding to disabled children, the bond that develops between the horse and the child is completely unique. Being able to ride a large and potent creature boosts confidence and brings joy to the children.
Horseback riding also affects psychological behaviors, because the children learn to relate appropriately towards the horse. Also, horseback riding makes children become more self-aware of their bodies since they have to be extremely careful when on top of the horse.
