For more than 30 years, HorseSense has empowered thousands to establish and maintain their independence and confidence.
HorseSense is an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with and without disabilities through a friendship with the horse. We strive to improve the bodies, minds and spirits of participants through adaptive riding, unmounted horsemanship, and equine-assisted learning experiences that:
Create a positive environment for learning
Emphasize the capabilities of each rider
Improve physical health
Build Confidence and self-esteem
Provide a sense of accomplishment and control Improve peer-to-peer relationships and communication
There are several benefits youth and adults with cognitive, physical and psychological disabilities experience throughout lessons as they master their skills. Sitting astride a horse increases balance and coordination, strengthens muscles and brings about body awareness, for example. And through complex, interactive lessons, our participants practice their speech, reading and problem-solving skills as they learn to follow instructions. On the ground they work on responsibility as they help care for the horses, emotional regulation, confidence boosting activities, teamwork, and more. 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 equine-assisted services (EAS) is life-long as such benefits hit the very core of our participants: their identities. They 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.
Sounds like something you could get behind? Click here to get involved, or go to our donations page.
HorseSense is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit that relies wholly on tax-deductible and generous donations from people just like you.