This week, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to see the great benefits of Therapeutic Riding in person. I would like to extend a huge thank you to Michelle and Christine of The Creston Valley Society for Therapeutic Horsemanship for having me!

On Friday my day started bright and early with a beautiful drive to Creston, to spend the day at The Creston Valley Society for Therapeutic Horsemanship, which is a therapeutic riding centre, accredited by the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA).

The Creston Valley Society for Therapeutic Horsemanship is a charitable business that run by Program Director, and instructor Michelle Whiteaway. Christine Ross is the head coach the program, and  there is a wonderful team of staff and volunteers that it would not be possible without. The program has nine horses that are used throughout their program, some of which have been sponsored by local businesses for the purchase of them! 

The BC Therapeutic Riding Association shares benefits of Therapeutic Riding on their website:

• Improvement of muscle tone, motor skills and overall strength
• Enhanced mobility, balance, circulation and co-ordination
• Increased concentration and improved learning skills
• Independence, social integration and life skills
• Strong bonds of trust, respect and partnership with the horse

Check out the video below of personal stories of how therapeutic riding benefits students!

Although the benefits of Therapeutic riding are well-known, and shown above, it was truly amazing to see the benefits first hand, and I could not wipe a smile off of my face all day. 

Everything at The Creston Valley Society for Therapeutic Horsemanship was so well thought out, and made it very accessible for all people. They work with people aged 4-70, and have supplementing funding to pay for 75% of lesson costs, so riders and their families only have to pay $27.50 per a lesson. Lessons contain 30 minutes of actual riding time (to help prevent fatigue and best suit riders attention span), however many riders come early to their lesson and get a chance to help staff groom, tack up, and warm up their horses. Some families took their children to the centre for lessons. One family had one child with disabilities, but their sibling also comes to ride with them for bonding and inclusion purposes. Three Creston schools are partnered with the centre, and bring several students for lessons weekly.

The centre had several accommodations and safety precautions to help better reach riders. They had a model horse that students can ride to practice their balance and sit on prior to getting on a real horse, they had colourful reins so to help with instruction and teach colours, and they had a great mounting system, where riders could get on their horse right from the deck attached to the barn. Additionally, they had an area for students to ride in, and make a different obstacle course every day that can be adjusted based on students abilities. Another great feature is they have several trails right outside of the arena that they can take students on trail rides. 

Each lesson I observed was heartwarming and amazing, however there are two moments that particularly stood out to me. The first moment was with two students from a Creston School, when they arrived both of them were not speaking, and I was told they are selectively verbal, with little communication skills. As they got on their horses and started moving around, both of the riders started speaking. Minimal amounts of their language was comprehendible, however, both students could correctly use basic verbal cues when asked to, such as “walk on”, and “woah”. 

The second amazing moment was with a student with Down Syndrome, who was agitated, and  not appearing regulated upon their arrival. As soon as this student got on their horse, their demeanour completely changed. When asked about how they felt once mounted, they said “relaxed”. 

I am so thankful for this opportunity to experience the great effects of theraputic riding first hand. It was an amazing day, and a path I am hoping to follow in my Grandmas footsteps, and explore more in the future.

Weekly Equine-Assisted Therapy Activities

This week the activities from the workbook were difficult to do without a facilitator, so I opted not to do them, as my reflections would not be an accurate representation of their effectiveness. There are still a few activities that I look forward to completing next week!