Horseback Riding and ADHD
ByA report out of Israel suggests that therapeutic horseback riding can be helpful for many conditions – including ADHD. You can read the article and watch the video here.
One amazing fact about this is – the riding is apparently subsidized by the Israeli healthcare system!
Do you have experience with horseback riding to help people with ADHD?
Please share your comments and thoughts below.
Best,
Dr. Kenny
I used to horse back ride when i was younger, for 1.5 hours per sesion. I do not believe I experienced any changes resulting from this. how ever, I will ask my mother ( she notices everything about me)
I THINK that the horse back ridding may just be creating or adding some happyness in the lives of the ADHD children, causes them to feel free and smell the fresh air. other than that, I do not see how horse back riding could help ADHD…..hmmm maybe learning to control the horse could help the child learn how to coltrol them selves?
I’m noticing a theme with with many of the alternative therapies I use -lost of them involve rhythmic movement and crossing the mid-line. (EFT 9 gamut, Brain Gym, Energy Medicine by Donna Eden… )
I’ve also been THINKING about horseback riding for a year or so, having not thought about it for over 20 years. I’m a psychotherapist who has ADD herself, and it was only diagnosed when I was 50 (ADD presentation was clouded by high IQ and never tested).
It makes perfect sense to me that horse-back riding would help in ADD. I used to own a horse and I took a serious interest in horses. Their walk involves a transmitted balance shift along the torso (which is felt by the rider, too). The rhythmic motion is soothing and stimulates parts of the brain that need balance.
I was also involved with Riding for the Disabled. There is much more going on than just a child having a happy experience. On an energetic level, the vitality of the horse establishes a vibration that the rider naturally adapts.
I must ride again! Thank you for the incentive, Dr Kenny!
~Dr Deborah Barry
I rode excessively as a child/ teen, eventing and I loved dressage – think rhythm and balance. I did well in school, though there were some areas I didn’t understand why I wouldn’t apply myself better. I got in and went to an excellent college, and subsequently flunked out. I could not function or focus without my riding. Kids seek out what they need sometimes. I think this would explain a lot about me and the people I know.
My son has problems – although we are still waiting for a proper diagnosis. A friend suggested riding and I took him along for a couple of classes.
He loved it! He has been going weekly ever since and would go more often if the finances would allow it lol!
I definitely notice a difference after his Saturday morning ride, he is calm, relaxed and most importantly happy!
Our daughter has ADHD. We had her start riding when she was 7. She instantly loved it. Her social skills were lacking and this helped get her into a group of people and interact. On the horse, she couldn’t go any where so it’s like she had to focus on that task only. I highly recommend it!
Philip
my son has been riding since he was 7 and now attends equine school in his final year of a 3 year course. he is now 20, still has ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome. I am planning on opening an Equine Assiisted learning school for him to help me and others with autism and ADHD. It is definitely a huge asset for children and adults with these conditions notonly the riding but the healing partnership that comes from the horse.
I have been working with a 60 year ol man with ADHD for almost two years now with horses. Aftercountless accidentsto the horse and the dangers he has impossed to him, horse, myself and other riders, it is safe for me to say that ADD and ADHD severe cases are not the best the thing. It has cost me so much money in repair bills, trailer repairs, fixing the horse the the rider was riding and now has issues of rebelious trends now, tack repairs and Vet expenses. As much as I would like this to work because of how they fall in love with the horses, it is very unsafe. My last vet bill was having my horses tubed because he fed her rotten supplements. He knew it was bad but in his mind he had to follow the pattern and still feed her “then” come tell me it was bad. I won’t discuss have a brnad new horse go over my wash rack that was a reaction to my ADHD friend. Another vet bill and the horse almost broke it’s leg. All I am saying is never take your eyes off that person, and never assume they hear what you are saying and be very cautious. I have also had horses tied all night from this person, because they lost attention and started another project. It is VERY good for ADHD and ADD person mind I do agree with that, as well as theri happiness. Patience is required, as well as understanding. THis is my first experience trying to help and keep with it. So I have sent him for professional lessons from a certified teacher in Dressage and balanced riding. I hope this helps. If you have any suggestions on how to help him, please let me know, he loves his horses. Thanks!