There are many depictions of horses helping people across the spectrum of movies and television, as well as in the media. Adults and children with a variety of issues including PTSD, eating disorders and physical challenges can benefit from horses. But have you ever wondered what type of horses suit this important role?
At SARI Therapeutic Riding, an organization that specializes in equine therapy for people with special needs at their facility in Arva, Ontario, a lot of work goes into ensuring the right animals find their way into the program.
SARI’s program manager, Terri-Lynn Thede, recently spoke to the CBC Morning Show about the training she and her team do. Like many equine-assisted programs, they sometimes have horses donated to them. Thede told the CBC that these horses go through a 30-day training program that includes exposing them to various activities, games, equipment like hula hoops and squeaky toys, and lessons. Vitally important for SARI horses is the animal’s ability to see how they react to the lift that’s used for riders in wheelchairs to mount, how they react to noisy environments, and how well they adapt if a rider shifts their balance.