Sophie Ruzicka Equine
Equine Therapy
Heal your
Heart!
Equine Assisted Therapy uses connection between horses and humans to heal and improve both lives.
Therapeutic horseback riding is a form of physical therapy for people who have a range of disabilities including physical, emotional, cognitive, and social difficulties.
People and horses work together in a safe and therapeutic environment to foster self efficacy, empathy, resilience and emotional management.
Horses provide a tool for physical therapy, emotional growth, and cognitive improvement, in a unique format that is fun, exhilarating, and sometimes has the power to change a person’s perspective on life!
Besides the physical benefits derived from therapeutic riding, the contact with the animal is a powerful experience, and the strong bond that is sometimes experienced has a profound, uplifting effect on people with Autism, ADD/ADHD and anxiety.
We always start with teaching our riders the safety around horses and at the premises, then they will learn how to groom, saddle, ride, and the general care for a horse.
Who can use Equine Assisted Therapy?
Our program is suitable for all people aged eight onwards. People nominate themselves and we receive referrals from schools, government agencies such as mental health and justice and community support agencies
We work with people recovering from abuse, trauma, accidents, or suffering from the effects of developmental or mental health issues.
Programs help develop, increase and improve:
Physical Abilities
Muscle tone, balance, coordination, muscle strength, flexibility, fitness, posture, gait (ability to walk), respiration, circulation, metabolism, sensory perception and integration, independence: self-care and mobility.
Psychological Abilities
Concentration, problem solving and decision making, insight, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, learning/practicing concepts e.g. letters, numbers, colours, distances, shapes etc.
Social Abilities
Communication and social skills, learning appropriate behaviour and manners, interaction with peers: individuals and groups, human/animal contact and bonding, building relationships, consideration for others and taking on responsibility.
Recreational/Sport/Vocational Abilities
Communication and social skills, learning appropriate behaviour and manners, interaction with peers: individuals and groups, human/animal contact and bonding, building relationships, consideration for others and taking on responsibility.
Loving our Horses
