Font Size:
Blazing Saddles, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit, 501(c)3 agency in the beautiful mountains of north western North Carolina and is comprised of persons dedicated to providing a unique, enjoyable therapeutic equestrian experience. The program continues with the help of many volunteers, local organizations, and the generosity of the high country area. In 2000-2001 season over 40 children and adults benefited from the services provided by Blazing Saddles.
Blazing Saddles, Inc. was founded in the fall of 1985 and is a member of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). NARHA provides resources and standards of education, accreditation, certification and safety for therapeutic riding programs throughout the USA and Canada.
Hippotherapy - Hippotherapy is a term that refers to the use of the movement of the horse as a treatment tool by Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech-Language Pathologists to address neurological impairments, functional limitations, sensory processing difficulties and disabilities in persons with special needs. Hippotherapy is also beneficial for persons with ADD, ADHD and learning difficulties. Hippotherapy is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes.
In hippotherapy, the patient engages in activities on the horse that are enjoyable and challenging. In the controlled hippotherapy environment, the therapist modifies the horse's movement and carefully grades sensory input. Specific riding skills are not taught (as in therapeutic horseback riding), but rather a foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing. This foundation can be generalized to a wide range of daily activities.
Therapeutic Riding - PHYSICALLY, the horse's movement has a dynamic effect on the rider's body. The horse's gait stimulates the rider's pelvis and trunk in a manner that closely resembles the typical human gait. This movement can be used to produce specific physical changes in the rider. The benefits to the rider include normalization of tone, postural improvement, improvements in balance and increased strength.
