HEALTH & 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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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
HORSE SAFETY
Safety around horses is of utmost priority to us at Sagehill Stables. Working with live animals is not without risk, but there are many steps that can be taken to ensure that you have the best experience possible! We want all of our clients to enjoy their experience at Sagehill Stables, and to do this we must ensure that we have high standards for safety.
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 continuing education and professional development program.
Here's what we're doing to help increase the number of successful horse experiences at Sagehill:
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 continuing education and professional development program.
Here's what we're doing to help increase the number of successful horse experiences at Sagehill:
- Well trained, maintained and cared for horses (e.g., nutrition & health care)
- Regular monitoring of tack (e.g., saddles & bridles)
- Properly fitted helmets
- Mandatory closed toe shoes in the barn
- Protective riding vests are recommended
- A set of Barn Rules (downloadable below)
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| WAIVER FORM |
| SAGEHILL BARN RULES |