HORSES FOR WELLNESS
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Did you know that horse back riding and interaction with horses can improve your physical, mental and emotional health? We have programs designed for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the health benefits of horses.
Physical Benefits:
The improved health and well-being you will gain from horseback riding, or even just interacting with horses on the ground, will trickle down into other aspects of your life, creating a positive, happier lifestyle. |
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Research on Benefits of Horses for Youth
Horse & Human Heart Rate Synchronization: How Horses Help Teach us to Deal with Anxiety
Research conducted by Dr. Ann Baldwin at the University of Arizona has confirmed what equestrians have always known and felt - that horses seem to have a way to connect with your soul. In fact, that feeling is your heart rate frequency synchronizing with your horse! Dr. Baldwin's research program focuses on finding ways that humans can resist stress and she has combined this research with her own experience and passion for horses.
Read about the research on our blog! Human-Horse Heart Sync
Read about the research on our blog! Human-Horse Heart Sync
New Research on the Physical and Emotional Health Benefits of Horseback Riding to Children and Youth
Here are some research articles with free access so you can read about the amazing benefits horses have on youth.
Horseback Riding Improves the Ability to Cause the Appropriate Action (Go Reaction) and the Appropriate Self-control (No-Go Reaction) in Children
By N. Ohtani et al. 2017
The most important beneficial factor of horseback riding for children and for human health appears to be associated with the horse’s vibrations, which may differ among horses. Riding some horses may improve the ability of children to respond with an appropriate action depending on the situation (Go reaction) or use self-control appropriately (No-go reaction), possibly through the activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5292768/
By N. Ohtani et al. 2017
The most important beneficial factor of horseback riding for children and for human health appears to be associated with the horse’s vibrations, which may differ among horses. Riding some horses may improve the ability of children to respond with an appropriate action depending on the situation (Go reaction) or use self-control appropriately (No-go reaction), possibly through the activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5292768/
Benefits of Horseback Riding for Children
By Jasmine Root 2018
Ann Swinker, Ph.D., a professor of Animal Science at Penn State University found “Handling, riding, and caring for a horse or pony can develop a host of positive traits in a child, including responsibility, accountability, patience, level-headedness, empathy, kindness, and self-discipline.”
https://www.montereybayparent.com/articles/FamilyFun/the-benefits-of-horseback-riding-for-children/#:~:text=It%20is%20an%20activity%20that,and%20boosts%20the%20cardiovascular%20system
By Jasmine Root 2018
Ann Swinker, Ph.D., a professor of Animal Science at Penn State University found “Handling, riding, and caring for a horse or pony can develop a host of positive traits in a child, including responsibility, accountability, patience, level-headedness, empathy, kindness, and self-discipline.”
https://www.montereybayparent.com/articles/FamilyFun/the-benefits-of-horseback-riding-for-children/#:~:text=It%20is%20an%20activity%20that,and%20boosts%20the%20cardiovascular%20system
Case study: How horses helped a teenager with autism make friends and learn how to work
By Dr. Temple Grandin, 2019
I was born in 1947 and had autism with speech delay until age four. I am now a college professor of animal science. Horse activities enabled me to make friends through a shared interest in horses. This paper describes the benefits that I experienced from working with horses and my friendships and work skills. A close friendship developed with another student through both riding and horse craft projects. Keeping employment is a serious problem for many people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The responsibility of caring for horses and cleaning stalls every day taught me good work skills. My experiences suggest that there were valuable outcomes from working with horses. This may be a beneficial intervention to include in programming for youth with ASD.
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/13/2325www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/13/2325
Also a great article summarizing the research paper: How horses helped a teenager with autism rise to become a professor
https://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2019/07/07/horses-teenager-autism-professor/#:~:text=Grandin%20says%20equine%20activities%20can,and%20Learn%20How%20to%20Work.
By Dr. Temple Grandin, 2019
I was born in 1947 and had autism with speech delay until age four. I am now a college professor of animal science. Horse activities enabled me to make friends through a shared interest in horses. This paper describes the benefits that I experienced from working with horses and my friendships and work skills. A close friendship developed with another student through both riding and horse craft projects. Keeping employment is a serious problem for many people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The responsibility of caring for horses and cleaning stalls every day taught me good work skills. My experiences suggest that there were valuable outcomes from working with horses. This may be a beneficial intervention to include in programming for youth with ASD.
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/13/2325www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/13/2325
Also a great article summarizing the research paper: How horses helped a teenager with autism rise to become a professor
https://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2019/07/07/horses-teenager-autism-professor/#:~:text=Grandin%20says%20equine%20activities%20can,and%20Learn%20How%20to%20Work.
Horse riding plus brain-building exercises may help kids with autism, ADHD
By Vishwadha Chander 2022
“Horseback riding appeared to have improved balance, posture, and core strength in children with ADHD and ASD,” Rigby said. In most measures, scores were higher after the combination of riding with brain building than after the riding alone. The study wasn’t designed to measure behavioral changes, but Rigby said parents provided “overwhelming” anecdotal evidence of positive differences on that front.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-brain-horse-therapy-idUSKCN20K316
By Vishwadha Chander 2022
“Horseback riding appeared to have improved balance, posture, and core strength in children with ADHD and ASD,” Rigby said. In most measures, scores were higher after the combination of riding with brain building than after the riding alone. The study wasn’t designed to measure behavioral changes, but Rigby said parents provided “overwhelming” anecdotal evidence of positive differences on that front.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-brain-horse-therapy-idUSKCN20K316
All participants are required to read and sign a Sagehill waiver (click here to sign) every 6 months.
SAFETY
Safety at Sagehill is of the utmost priority for ensuring the well-being of both participants and horses. Our facility has Standard Operating Procedures and Protocols for staff and an Emergency Action Plan to ensure a safe environment. Our coaches are also enrolled in a continued education and professional development program. Students, guardians and guests must be aware of the risks and protocols in place. The Sagehill Stables barn rules are mandatory to follow, as they create high safety standards, ultimately ensuring everyone has the best experinece possible!
Here's what we're doing to help increase the number of successful horse experiences at Sagehill:
- Stable Management: Regular inspections and maintenance of stables to ensure they are clean and safe.
- Grounds & Riding Areas: Routine checks and maintenance of arenas, trails, and paddocks.
- Equipment Maintenance: Regular inspection of tack (saddles, bridles, etc.) for wear and tear. Proper storage and handling of equipment.
- Horse Training & Care: Well trained and maintained horses. Routine veterinary check-ups and proper nutrition for all horses. Monitoring horses' behaviour for signs of distress or illness.
- Emergency Procedures: Documented emergency plans for various scenarios (e.g., falls, horse injuries, fire). Training staff on emergency response. First aid kits readily available and easily accessible.
- Information & Education: Regular safety briefings for riders and visitors. Mandatory closed toed shoes in the barn. Ongoing training and education for staff on the latest safety standards and best practices.
