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.
Some facilities are small with only one or two horses.
Others are very well-established with top of the line equipment and many, many horses. These programs are filled with volunteers, instructors, and horses who give of themselves because of a love for the special riders they serve. When choosing a riding program, speak to the program director and the instructors. Some programs, such as Sebastian Riding Associates, have a week long camp designed specifically for visually impaired riders. While there is no such thing as a totally bomb proof horse, a therapeutic horse should be calm, gentle, and extremely tolerant.