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Library Categories > Awareness > Autistic kids find strength, ability to communicate in Healing Horses

 
Library Item Name:

Autistic kids find strength, ability to communicate in Healing Horses 		   
Summary Statement:

For the children, the benefits of equine therapy can be extraordinary.

Through riding, autistic children, who can often be withdrawn, learn to express themselves in a clear manner. Their communication skills improve.

They gain strength and balance skills. The rhythmic motion of riding also relaxes and focuses them.

The child's tactile senses are stimulated by fuzzy fur, coarse mane, soft tongue.

The riders learn responsibility by brushing their horse each week, putting the saddle away, feeding carrots to the animal.

“It's an exhilarating experience because the children are learning so much,” Morgan said. “This really stretches them and us.”

Horses are particularly good for this kind of therapy because they are simple to manage, only looking for clear commands, like “go,” “stop” or “back up.” It is easy for the children to develop relationships with them.

In Lawrence's case, her son has shown some increased ability physically and emotionally.
Tags:

horses,  hippotherapy
Submission Date:

08/18/2008by: shannonj
Current rating:


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