My first day at Horses for Healing I found they could actually get my repaired and metal bones up a ramp and on a horse. Sitting there, surrounded by people holding me gently in place, I suddenly felt lighter than air, and the world suddenly appeared in full technicolor. I was actually back on a horse. Then as the volunteers carefully led that gentle beast forward, the rhythm of his walk set into motion a dance that my body had all but forgotten. That’s when my spirit broke free, filled me up and flooded out in the form of the happiest tears I had shed in years.

I have Multiple Sclerosis. When looking to deal with symptoms associated with this condition I learned about therapeutic horse riding. Turns out horse riding is something beneficial when dealing with a disability. Enjoyable therapy sounded intriguing so I learned more. Why a horse? These gentle animals provide a unique multi-sensory means of therapy; the shape of their backs provides a perfect platform. Their pelvis is like ours in that it has a three-dimensional movement (up, down, and side to side).Their gait simulates our walking and the repetitive motion helps a rider improve muscle tone, strength, posture, flexibility and balance. A horse’s natural rhythm gently moves muscles and the spine.