Benefits of Therapeutic Riding

At Halleck Creek Ranch, we believe that therapeutic horseback riding encourages each of our participants to live a life without barriers. For riders this means a healthier body and calmer mind, as well as a chance to access the "great outdoors". For volunteers, their interactions with the riders teaches them that people with disabilities can do anything they want to, they just have to do it a little differently.

Riding horses stretches and strengthens core muscles leading to increased ability to sit or stand, it increases flexibility and balance leading to increased ability to walk or run, and helps develop hand strength and coordination leading to increased ability to eat independently or write legibly. Learning to control a large animal also increases self-esteem and promotes relaxation, improving a rider's relationships with friends and family. In addition, riding a horse engages all of the senses. It is challenging, motivating, and fun.