Our Story
HorseSense is an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with and without disabilities through a friendship with the horse. We strives to improve the bodies, minds and spirits of riders by providing weekly therapeutic horseback riding lessons that:
Create a positive environment for learning
Emphasize the capabilities of each rider
Improve physical health
Provide a sense of accomplishment and control
There are several benefits youth and adults with cognitive, physical and psychological disabilities experience throughout lessons as they master their riding skills. Sitting astride a horse increases balance and coordination, strengthens muscles and brings about body awareness, for example. And through complex, interactive lessons, riders practice their speech, reading and problem-solving skills as they learn to follow instructions. Other benefits include: improved reflexes, weight-bearing ability, range of motion, stamina, hand-eye coordination, sensory integration, left/right discrimination, decision-making, independence, patience, physical fitness and responsibility.
The impact of therapeutic horseback riding is life-long as such benefits hit the very core of our riders: their identities. Riders build their self-esteem and self-efficacy by regulating their emotions to convert negative feelings into constructive motivation. This motivation they experience throughout lessons carries into their everyday lives, empowering them to believe in themselves and their abilities.
