Students generally work with the same two or three riders each week, so they develop a real rapport and appreciation for the individual assistance required by each participant. Another rider may need more physical help as she mounts to stretch and cope with muscle spasms. When riders and volunteers are not actively involved with the horses, they sit in the middle of the ring and socialize. This program provides ah enjoyable and enriching experience for SIUC recreation students and for the riders. It gives exposure to students unfamiliar with horseback riding to an activity rich in its recreational and therapeutic benefits.
Students work closely with adults who have a wide variety of physical and sensory impairments.
Most importantly, they learn the vast abilities possessed by these riders, as they progress to greater levels of independent control of the horse. Some riders advance to trotting, cantering, and even jumping. Leisure and social satisfaction increased, and participants felt they had increased the awareness of others and their abilities. Riders reported greater feelings of independence, confidence, and power. And the human-animal bond was reported as significant to their enjoyment.