A Nebraska academy has steadily grown its equine therapy program since 1989, according to a published report.
What began with a horse, a student and three volunteers has developed into 17 horses that provide therapy, 12 instructors equipped with international certification and services for at least 100 students per week, The Midwest Producer reports. The Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy and its team of people holding physical and occupational therapy jobs help people who work on physical impairments, executive director Edye Godden told the news source.
"Increased core strength is one of the main changes our clients experience," the executive director told the news source. "That is key to everyone's balance. We often see riders who weren't walking when they started the program here but gain that ability through the program."
Patients – both children and adults – working on challenges such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis can benefit from equine therapy.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapists aid patients' recoveries from injuries, illnesses and disabilities so they may perform routine tasks of daily activities.