Frequently Asked Questions

Therapy or Play?

Equine-assisted therapy really can help those with physical and mental disabilities. Physical Therapists’ progress notes, reports from physicians, teachers, and parents, testify to its benefits. These benefits include improved respiration, circulation, balance, and body metabolism along with greater muscle strength and agility.

Is there special equipment required?

The most important factor in equipment design is safety, for the participating athlete as well as the other athletes and individuals in the area.

Athletes with motor disabilities often have stability, maneuverability and control issues. Adaptive equipment in therapeutic riding is individualized based on the specific capabilities of the rider. Adapted or special assist equipment is available for purchase. For example, it may be necessary to acquire a saddle adapted for a rider missing their lower leg. A ramp or set of stairs may assist mounting by elevating the rider to the level of the horse.

Who oversees this type of therapy?

An integrated team of N.A.R.H.A. (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) instructors and volunteers work with the rider and horse to promote the success, the freedom, and the dignity that can be experienced through therapeutic horsemanship. You may wish to contact NARHA at www.NARHA.org for further information.

How much does it cost and who pays for it?

Seven Gables Farm is dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding activities for individuals with disabilities. The riders are charged a small fee ($45), a fee that covers less than a third of operating costs. Funding for this program comes from fundraisers, special events, individual and corporate donations, and government grants.

How does the relationship develop with the horse and rider?

The rider and the horse become a team. The ability to control a thousand-pound animal offers a great sense of freedom and independence and promotes feelings of trust and self-worth. Exercises and tasks that would be dreary or considered “work” become fun and game-like if they are part of a riding therapy session. In addition, horseback riding produces an opportunity for disabled individuals to enjoy the outdoors without wheelchairs or crutches.

What role does the horse play in physical therapy?

The gait of a horse is similar to the human stride. The rhythmic, three-dimensional movement and warmth of the horse stimulates and works the muscles of the rider. For an individual with lower body paralysis, the motion emulates the action of the human gait. The rider’s posture, balance and muscle control are improved. Immediately the rider sits taller and muscle spasticity in the legs, back, neck and arms is reduced. This particular therapy strengthens and supports the natural motion of the spine and pelvis. Mounting, dismounting and grooming are also useful in enhancing range of motion. Equine therapy provides cardio-vascular and circulatory benefits by raising heart rates.

What is the “Big Picture?”

Equine-assisted therapy offers developmentally disabled persons with a variety of physical and mental challenges an alternative to the traditional clinical setting by providing therapy on horseback.

What, if any, are the benefits of off-site therapy?

The recreational nature of this program allows a source of hope for people with disabilities. They can leave the standard clinical setting and enjoy an independence they never thought would be available to them. While riding a horse they are “normal,” able to leave the bonds of their disabilities...they are free!

What are the psychosocial benefits of equine therapy?

Psychosocial benefits reported are improvements in self-esteem, self-image, and interpersonal skills. Many patients also become more outgoing and autistic children have been known to communicate spontaneously for the first time with a horse!

Seven Gables Farm is a NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) Center located just 3/10 of a mile south of Dickson, just off Highway 48 South, at 135 Sullivan Road.

Betty Harper, owner and operator, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Michigan, is a certified Inscape (instrument based) facilitator, a Member of NARHA, and a NARHA Registered Level Instructor.

Phone Number: 615.218.4100
Email:
Website: www.sevengablesfarm.com