Since Christian joined the Therapeutic horseback riding program at RTRA, he has been improving his personal development in many areas.

In Christian and other children with learning disabilities, therapeutic riding helps to build confidence and master their social skills, Christian used to have high anxiety, now since he joined this therapeutic program, he doesn’t have it at all or has learned how to manage it by working closely with horses, Dusty, IR or Copper.

The drills they practice have helped him in his “eye-hand” coordination, gross and fine motor skills, (when he tides up the bridle), balance, muscular tone, core strength, and postural control, he has learned how to ride a horse and learned the equestrian riding posture, etc.

Listening skills, following 2-3 directions like “ride to the basket, pick up the ball, and throw it into the hula-hoops”, etc., he is also developing executive function skills attending his lessons regularly and, making sure he is wearing proper clothing and developing safety awareness by wearing the belt and helmet when is on site.

Also, in communication and cognitive development, Christian has been developing and increasing his language comprehension, while he incorporates new vocabulary such as bridle, bit, reins, hoofs, saddle, also parts of the horse, etc., and social skills because he interacts with other riders, instructors and volunteers.

In addition to all these benefits, it is very rewarding to see Christian enjoying his therapeutic lessons and having a lot of fun, besides that he is learning equestrian literacy, developing social skills, enjoyment, confidence, horsemanship relationship and sportsmanship, he is having a lot of fun and making great memories at the RTRA.

He enjoys participating in the horse shows because he gets rewards, and ribbons when he wins a place!

The instructors make it very fun and enjoyable for the riders.

Thank you so very much to all the Staff from the Richmond Therapeutic Program and volunteers for all the effort and hard work put into this amazing program.