Therapeutic Horse riding

[Left coast liberal]

Interesting. I had heard about this before. Anybody have any first hand experience with therapeutic horse riding?

http://www.examiner.com/x-19093-Seattle-Special-Needs-Kids-Examiner~y2009m9d17-Therapeutic-horse-riding-kids-with-special-needs-make-progress-in-the-saddle

"Many children with special needs find bonding, riding and taking care of horses exceedingly therapeutic and may be including in an overall treatment program.

Children with physical disabilities, such as Cerebral Palsy who have difficulties with locomotion, are able to feel the comforting natural rhythm of walking perhaps for the first time. It improves nerve and muscle coordination as well as muscle strength and can prevent further dysfunction caused by lack of muscle and joint use. Stronger muscles help with breathing, sitting upright and speech.

Many children with developmental delays or on the autism spectrum also find great reward from this therapy. Some children who have been previously non-verbal may speak for the first time when they want to communicate with a horse."

[Kajsa]

1. I do know this, LCL.

Direct contact with animals has
helped a lot of people,

the elderly, the disabled, people
in recovery, etc.

Animals can give us unconditional love,
companionship and support when we need
it most.

[Left coast liberal]

2. Well said.

Maybe it is just unconditional love that is the most profound part.

Very cool.

Looking into for my boy.

:hi:

[Kajsa]

5. I hope it helps him.

Having kitties in our family has really
helped my son.

:hi:

[Left coast liberal]

3. BTW - What does LCL mean?

Sorry, I know I am an idiot but still wondering.

;-)

[Kajsa]

4. No you are not, young lady!

("I know I am an idiot")- No siree,sir!

I've picked up the DU habit of going for acronyms
with just about everything, names, places, etc.

It's the acronym for your username,
Leftcoast liberal.

:)

[Left coast liberal]

6. Boy howdy, K. You are a nice gal.

DU habits do rub off, don't they?

OX

[Kajsa]

7. LOL- Yes they do.

And you are a nice gal too.

:hi: :pals:

[elleng]

8. A Gallop Toward Hope: One Family’s Adventure in Fighting Autism

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/15/books/15horse.html?pagewanted=1&th&emc=th

(re-posted)