I was always drawn to neurobiology and neurophysiology, fascinated by the brain and how it works. In physical therapy, we had to first learn how something works before we could try to understand why something doesn’t work. Then, is the goal to try to fix what’s broken or to merely find a way to improve function?

The answer to that question depends on many variables: time, knowledge (research), insurance, and above all, commitment of the person involved, and their caregiver support systems.

I remember going to a seminar on how to incorporate the Swiss therapy ball into treatment sessions. I have already been working as a physical therapist for three years, in schools, the hospital (rehab) and home settings.

My special interest was rehabilitation and developmental therapy (neuro). After that seminar, I wondered how I ever managed to treat anyone without the therapy ball. The ball facilitated movement and balance reactions on a dynamic moving surface, which I could not replicate without the ball, especially for someone who could not stand or walk without assistance.

Pictured is the progression of a new participant from Falconer School Field trip during a meet and greet.

Soon after that, I was introduced to a program called MOVE International (Mobility Opportunities Via Experience). MOVE International still exists. It is an activity-based program designed to improve independence and overall quality of life. Using specialized equipment such as adaptive chairs, standers, and gait trainers, individuals of all ages and cognitive levels, regardless of cause of disability, acquire motor skills for sitting, standing, and walking. The goal was movement and positioning, not so much quality of movement.

The underlying concept was that movement was necessary for health and development, not to mention the mental and cognitive factors, or ease of care.

Then, I was introduced to therapeutic horseback riding. It was the best form of therapy I have ever witnessed, even to date. The horse can carry the weight without undue hardship on the therapist. The horse provides not only movement, but quality movement that is desired for maximal development or rehab. The horse’s movement mimics the same three-dimensional movement of the human pelvis during gait. Sitting on the horse in the straddle position puts the hips in an anatomically secure position and stretches muscles for better alignment when that person tries to stand. (Not to mention probable reduction of pain from improper use, positioning or disuse). The horse provides the movement, so that at minimal, the rider only needs to react, an inbuilt automatic response of the nervous system, affecting the entire body. And so much more…

Schools can benefit from the significantly reduced costs as we partner with BOCES. Some schools have scheduled field trips for the year and are already reserving dates for next year. We aspire to introduce other schools to the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and equine assisted therapies. The school may be the catalyst for families to continue to bring their children to our center. Even after 34 years, so many people have still never heard of Centaur Stride.

As we continue to make others aware of all the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding, and make opportunities available for firsthand experiences, we also ask for continued community support to help make our fundraisers and efforts successful. Linktr.ee/centaurstride takes you to all online sites. Thank you for your support. Please like, share and follow us on Facebook.

Claudia Monroe is president and founder of Centaur Stride.