When grooming is completed, the saddle and bridle are put on the horse. Buckling straps and attaching the therapy lead and lead rope require fine motor skills. Blind and visually impaired children can participate in each of these activities with the ultimate goal of performing these tasks independently. Blind riders lead their horses out of the barn and into the arena or riding ring. Riders follow verbal cues from the instructor and take cues from footing and sounds to determine when they and their horses have arrived at their destination.
Mapping is a navigational skill that can be done prior to, and during, a ride.
The rider tactilely explores the arena through this tool. While on the horse, the rider can determine the long and short sides of the arena from the distance traveled, the sounds of the spectator area, the whinnies from the barn, etc. Visually impaired riders stop, start, and steer their horse to sounds and verbal cues. The games and activities included in the riding experience are practically limitless and lead to a fun and educationally relevant sport for the blind child. Therapeutic riding facilities are becoming more available as families experience the remarkable benefits.