"There's something about the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a man." - Winston Churchill

At Heritage Christian Services, we believe Winston Churchill was talking about the healing aspect of horses, both physically and emotionally. The special bond between a rider and his horse can help people with developmental disabilities reach beyond their limitations to achieve their dreams.

Therapeutic riding is a holistic experience, impacting a person's physical, emotional, spiritual and mental well-being. Physically, the rhythmic motion of a horse's gait mimics the way humans walk, offering disabled riders the freedom to move without the help of a wheelchair, often for the first time. The horse becomes their feet!

Additionally, therapeutic horseback riding has been shown to improve muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, and motor development. Psychologically, it's empowering for the rider to be able to work alongside a 1,000-pound animal with a few commands and a tug on the reins. The experience helps increase the rider's confidence, self-esteem, and independence.

Therapeutic riding allows people with disabilities to strengthen their bodies and their minds, freeing their spirits to do the things they never thought possible. And best of all, it's fun!