So, when you put somebody on a horse, in order to keep their balance, they have to move their trunk, arms, shoulders, head and the rest of their body. Only a live creature can make happen what is so beneficial. They don't require you to respond to them with natural body movements. A horse makes your whole body respond in a smoothly rhythmic, progressive way. In addition to the physical benefits, therapeutic riding offers psychological benefits because riders feel a sense of achievement and control.
Therapeutic riding requires balance and muscular control that often enhances or expedites recovery.
The slow, continuous, rhythmic motion of the gait of the horse is therapeutic and helps develop the muscles around the spine. Psychological functions such as improved self-image, perceptions of mastery and improved confidence appear to result from equestrian therapy. Young people with cerebrospastic neuromuscular disorders who participate in therapeutic riding show better range of hip and knee motion, improved sitting balance and ambulatory capacities. They have a more positive and cooperative attitude toward their regular physical therapy. Quite a bit, it turns out.