Frequently Asked Questions
What are therapeutic riding activities?
Therapeutic riding activities are individualized, specialized activities that use the horse to provide physical, emotional, and psychological benefits to children and adults with disabilities. Through carefully planned activities developed by a certified riding instructor and/or therapist, the horse is used as a treatment tool to help the rider achieve his or her goals.
How does the horse’s movement help riders?
The movement of the horse at a walk provides sensory input that stimulates normal muscle responses in the human, enhancing cognitive and physical development. The horse’s three dimensional, swinging gait simulates the movement of a human’s pelvis, trunk, and shoulder girdle when walking.
How can participants register for sessions?
For additional information about the MSU Extension Equine Assisted Therapy Programs or for a program application, contact Cassie Brunson at (662) 325-1718 or cbrunson@humansci.msstate.edu.
How are goals set for riders?
Before a participant begins riding in the program, an instructor and licensed therapy professional (PT, OT, SLP) conduct an assessment to establish goals. Participants’ parents, teachers, counselors, and therapists may make suggestions.
How can you help the therapeutic riding program?
• Make a financial donation.
• Donate a horse or sponsor a rider.
• Volunteer to assist with riding classes.
• Share information about the program.
Publications
News
The Mississippi State University Extension Equine-Assisted Therapy program will hold a fundraising event Oct. 12.
WEST POINT, Miss. -- The groundwork portion of therapeutic horseback riding offers emotional and mental benefits to veterans who take part in a program at Mississippi State University.
Lance McElhenney of Webster County served in the U.S. Marine Corps around the world. Injured by a mortar fragment in Iraq in 2004, this Purple Heart veteran now fights a different battle -- with multiple sclerosis. One of his weapons is an old horse he named Archie, for Archibald Henderson, the grand old man of the Marine Corps.
STARKVILLE, Miss. – Therapeutic horseback riding is about much more than physical therapy.
Cassie Brunson, coordinator of the Mississippi State University Extension Service Therapeutic Riding and Activity Center, said participants first come to the program for the exercise, but they stay for the relationships.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Riders involved in the Mississippi State University therapeutic riding program will demonstrate their skills in a special event April 19 at the Mississippi Horse Park.
About 46 riders will take part in the second annual Therapeutic Riding Expo, which begins at 6 p.m. The horse park is south of Starkville at 869 East Poorhouse Road. The event is free and open to the public.
Success Stories
Trauma survivor benefits from Extension hippotherapy program
General outpatient therapy is a major step in helping trauma victims on the road to recovery, but hippotherapy has emerged as an effective method of helping them regain mobility over time.
He joined the US Marine Corps to serve and protect the country, and, as a Marine in Iraq, Lance McElhenney felt 10 feet tall and bulletproof.
In this "What's New in Extension," Extension agents implement better safety standards, train to deliver Mental Health First Aid, and receive national recognition. Also, new irrigation and specialists join the Extension family.
