The healing power of horse riding for children with autism
Published: 02:07 PM,Jul 31,2023 | EDITED : 06:07 PM,Jul 31,2023
Horse riding has proven to be a special therapy for children with autism. One place making a positive impact in our community is AlRahma Academy for Horse Riding.
Children with autism often develop a strong connection with horses. These animals have a unique ability to sense emotions, making children feel calm and understood. By spending time with horses, kids learn valuable emotional and social skills that are sometimes hard to learn in regular therapy with people in a regular environment.
In addition, many children with autism struggle with communication and socializing. Horse therapy encourages them to interact with the horses, and the therapy team, who are horse-riding coaches, ensures that they can interact positively with no fear. Activities like grooming and guiding the horse help them feel more confident and responsible.
Horse riding is not just about riding a horse; it involves rhythmic movements that can control children's sensory issues. It also helps them improve their coordination, balance, and fine motor skills.
Moreover, horses create a safe and peaceful environment, which helps children regulate their emotions. Riding also boosts their self-esteem, making them feel good about themselves.
Issa Saleh Al-Farsi, Chairman of the Board of the Rahma Institute for Equestrian Education, said that they have 60 knights among autistic children at the institute. Through community partnerships, they offer free services to children facing the challenges of autism.
He said, 'We believe in the importance of integrating this group with others. We provide a suitable environment for practising horse riding sports and train specialised coaches to work with them. These coaches teach them how to control horses and interact positively, which helps in their improvement and contributes to their therapy.'
Al-Farsi commented that 'parents have shown great appreciation for this program.' They have witnessed improvements in their children’s personalities and mental well-being, particularly in controlling their emotions and interacting with others which motivates the institution to continue this therapy program.
The mother of Mohammed Khalid Al-Balushi, a 12-year-old kid with autism said, 'The institute is an extremely safe place. I consider it an ideal place for training, as the trainers handle everyone, especially children with autism, exceptionally well. Al Rahma Institute is the only place that welcomed my son without any conditions. They were patient and tolerant of the difficulties of dealing with Mohammed.'
She added, 'Initially, it was challenging as the child was afraid of the trainers, horses, and the new environment. Before the training, they tried to reduce the tension, comfort Mohammed, and get closer to him. With time and continuity, the child became more comfortable with them, and the horses, and started to enjoy the experience.'
Om Mohammed mentioned that there were some positive changes they noticed in their son.
'He has become calmer, improved his sleep practices and reduced repetitive movements which are known to be associated with children with autism. He has also become more stable and more focused with people around him,' she said.
She added, “I was delighted to see the coaches appointed my son, Mohammed as an assistant trainer at the institute, which significantly boosted his confidence.”
As for the father of the young rider Osama Al-Amiri, a 14-year-old child with autism too said, 'He joined the institute in November 2022 and is continuing with the second course, completing 9 months. The institute has highly competent trainers who excel at dealing with my child efficiently. They have been supporting my son from the beginning, pushing him to achieve advanced accomplishments.”
He praised the management of the institution as one of the best in organizing and delivering services to children with special needs systematically and skillfully.
'This positively impacted my son, making him more confident in dealing with others and more interested in physical sports. This positive influence on his personality and ability to handle future challenges is a long-term benefit,' he said
Meanwhile, for Hamza Saeed Mohammed Al-Saeedi, a parent of an 11-year-old child, added, 'The institute stands out with highly skilled trainers who can effectively handle children with various abilities and special needs. Despite my son's limited awareness and developmental delays, he learned many new skills in a short period. These training sessions had a profoundly positive impact on my son, and I cannot thank them enough for his remarkable progress since joining the institute.'
Abdul Latif Al-Mamari, a father of three riders at the institute, mentioned that the institute plays a significant role in developing the riders' skills and preparing them to participate in local and international championships. With the therapeutic program involving horses for children with autism, their communication and social interaction skills have improved. They can no longer distinguish between children with autism and others while they are on horseback. Thanks to the results of this program, it has drawn the attention of participants from different regions.
These parents' feedback highlights the positive impact of the institute's therapy program on the children's development and well-being, particularly those with autism.
Abdulateef Addams said, “ This newfound confidence enables my son to have the courage to Participate and engaged in other parts of their lives, motivated to try new things and face challenges with bravery.”
Horse riding therapy is like a ray of hope for children with autism. Places like AlRahma Academy for Horse Riding are making a real difference in the lives of these kids. As more research supports its effectiveness, we can look forward to a future where children with autism find comfort, strength, and healing through their special bond with horses.
Children with autism often develop a strong connection with horses. These animals have a unique ability to sense emotions, making children feel calm and understood. By spending time with horses, kids learn valuable emotional and social skills that are sometimes hard to learn in regular therapy with people in a regular environment.
In addition, many children with autism struggle with communication and socializing. Horse therapy encourages them to interact with the horses, and the therapy team, who are horse-riding coaches, ensures that they can interact positively with no fear. Activities like grooming and guiding the horse help them feel more confident and responsible.
Horse riding is not just about riding a horse; it involves rhythmic movements that can control children's sensory issues. It also helps them improve their coordination, balance, and fine motor skills.
Moreover, horses create a safe and peaceful environment, which helps children regulate their emotions. Riding also boosts their self-esteem, making them feel good about themselves.
Issa Saleh Al-Farsi, Chairman of the Board of the Rahma Institute for Equestrian Education, said that they have 60 knights among autistic children at the institute. Through community partnerships, they offer free services to children facing the challenges of autism.
He said, 'We believe in the importance of integrating this group with others. We provide a suitable environment for practising horse riding sports and train specialised coaches to work with them. These coaches teach them how to control horses and interact positively, which helps in their improvement and contributes to their therapy.'
Al-Farsi commented that 'parents have shown great appreciation for this program.' They have witnessed improvements in their children’s personalities and mental well-being, particularly in controlling their emotions and interacting with others which motivates the institution to continue this therapy program.
The mother of Mohammed Khalid Al-Balushi, a 12-year-old kid with autism said, 'The institute is an extremely safe place. I consider it an ideal place for training, as the trainers handle everyone, especially children with autism, exceptionally well. Al Rahma Institute is the only place that welcomed my son without any conditions. They were patient and tolerant of the difficulties of dealing with Mohammed.'
She added, 'Initially, it was challenging as the child was afraid of the trainers, horses, and the new environment. Before the training, they tried to reduce the tension, comfort Mohammed, and get closer to him. With time and continuity, the child became more comfortable with them, and the horses, and started to enjoy the experience.'
Om Mohammed mentioned that there were some positive changes they noticed in their son.
'He has become calmer, improved his sleep practices and reduced repetitive movements which are known to be associated with children with autism. He has also become more stable and more focused with people around him,' she said.
She added, “I was delighted to see the coaches appointed my son, Mohammed as an assistant trainer at the institute, which significantly boosted his confidence.”
As for the father of the young rider Osama Al-Amiri, a 14-year-old child with autism too said, 'He joined the institute in November 2022 and is continuing with the second course, completing 9 months. The institute has highly competent trainers who excel at dealing with my child efficiently. They have been supporting my son from the beginning, pushing him to achieve advanced accomplishments.”
He praised the management of the institution as one of the best in organizing and delivering services to children with special needs systematically and skillfully.
'This positively impacted my son, making him more confident in dealing with others and more interested in physical sports. This positive influence on his personality and ability to handle future challenges is a long-term benefit,' he said
Meanwhile, for Hamza Saeed Mohammed Al-Saeedi, a parent of an 11-year-old child, added, 'The institute stands out with highly skilled trainers who can effectively handle children with various abilities and special needs. Despite my son's limited awareness and developmental delays, he learned many new skills in a short period. These training sessions had a profoundly positive impact on my son, and I cannot thank them enough for his remarkable progress since joining the institute.'
Abdul Latif Al-Mamari, a father of three riders at the institute, mentioned that the institute plays a significant role in developing the riders' skills and preparing them to participate in local and international championships. With the therapeutic program involving horses for children with autism, their communication and social interaction skills have improved. They can no longer distinguish between children with autism and others while they are on horseback. Thanks to the results of this program, it has drawn the attention of participants from different regions.
These parents' feedback highlights the positive impact of the institute's therapy program on the children's development and well-being, particularly those with autism.
Abdulateef Addams said, “ This newfound confidence enables my son to have the courage to Participate and engaged in other parts of their lives, motivated to try new things and face challenges with bravery.”
Horse riding therapy is like a ray of hope for children with autism. Places like AlRahma Academy for Horse Riding are making a real difference in the lives of these kids. As more research supports its effectiveness, we can look forward to a future where children with autism find comfort, strength, and healing through their special bond with horses.