If you don’t need the power of muscles for function, our bodies shift the energy to another part that does require it. Muscles weaken or atrophy with prolonged disuse.

What about people with a disability who have abnormal muscle function? They need intervention services for life.

When I saw firsthand the power of therapeutic horseback riding, I couldn’t believe the results! One session on the horse was like 10 sessions in the clinic, and the resultant improvements lasted longer than conventional therapy, (because of the dynamic stimulation of multiple systems at once while on a horse).

We witness those benefits every day at our center.

A rider enjoys the time with the horse.

So, how important is it for people, especially in wheelchairs, to strengthen their core muscles? To prevent the consequences of disuse, this requires exercises in unsupported sitting, singing and breathing exercises, and upper extremity (arms) exercises. As their trunk muscles weaken, they begin to develop scoliosis (curvature of the spine). That in turn puts pressure on the heart and lungs (and other organs) and compounds the disability even more. As a consequence, children are often put in back braces.

The brace now provides extra support to try to slow down the progression of the trunk collapse. It is a (rigid, uncomfortable) intervention but does not address the cause.

With legs straddled over the horse, there is a larger base of support for the rider’s trunk to balance in an unsupported sitting position. This also places their hips in the most stable position and stretches the tight hip muscles.

The rhythmical movement of the horse at a walk, and the three-dimensional movement of the horse stimulates the postural core muscles to automatically activate, giving them a work-out. It is very important that there are trained sidewalkers on both sides, assisting as needed. Often, the riders cannot maintain their balance if the horse should move suddenly or if their center of gravity is displaced too far off center and the sidewalkers will need to put a hand up to stabilize them. It is also important not to offer that assistance unless it is needed because even the slightest assistance can alter automatic reactions. Sidewalkers also engage the rider in conversation to monitor breathing and speech.

If a rider can’t speak, they may be in a breathing crisis. That requires a hand up to stabilize and wait for them to catch their breath and relax. Sometimes this must be done every several feet. It is such a wonder to watch how quickly they adapt to the demand, progressing to longer distances between rest stops. As core strength improves, riders are encouraged to join in the singing. When they get back in their wheelchair, their voice is stronger, skin color is better and posture is improved, and they almost always are smiling when they get off.

A rider enjoys the time with the horse.

I often wonder about their level of pain. They rarely complain but I would guess they have a great deal of pain most of the time. However, that is their baseline and they may not know what it is like without that constant level of pain. I wonder if that smile when they get off is because they feel better? Imagine!

There are still no cures for many disabilities, but interventions can make the intensity of the disabilities less and decrease or prevent secondary complications. The goals for interventions are to offer some improvements to the quality of life for the individuals and their families.

We opened in 1993 and still have riders who continue to ride since we opened. Some take breaks for the cold winter months, and others just take a break. So many of our past riders come back sooner or later. Last year, we provided over 1200 lessons and had over 60 new riders, besides our continuing riders. This is still down from pre-COVID numbers.

We need to keep using the services offered by our center or fear losing it!

Please help us to continue to help others. Send donations to: Centaur Stride, Inc., PO Box 174, Westfield, NY 14787; call to volunteer (716) 326-4318. Visit our website at: www.centaurstride.org and please like and follow our Facebook page: Centaur Stride Therapeutic Horseback Riding facility. Comments can be emailed to: claudiamonroe@centaurstride.org

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Thank you for your support!