Sunday Lifestyles

Clinics help seniors get moving at Centaur Stride

Recently, Centaur Stride offered three community clinics with support from a grant from the Westfield Fund. The clinics were designed to introduce more people to the potential benefits of therapeutic horseback riding, equine-assisted activities and spending time in nature. One of the clinics was specifically designed for adults age 55 and older.

There is a saying: "People complain of so many problems until they lose their health. Then they only have one complaint."

There is a lot of truth in that. Many of us pay closer attention to our health only when something changes for the worse -- when we, or someone we love, faces an unexpected challenge. Life can change in an instant. Maintaining our ability to move, connect and participate in that journey matters.

So, what can a horse possibly have to do with healthy aging?

Studies of equine-assisted interventions involving older adults have found promising benefits in areas including balance, gait, mobility, muscle strength and quality of life.

And much of it happens without the participant thinking, "I’m exercising."

Aging, inactivity, pain, weakness and reduced mobility can all contribute to changes in balance and walking ability. Limited ankle mobility, reduced strength and slower reactions can make it more difficult to respond quickly when the body begins to lose its balance.

When a rider is sitting on a moving horse, the body is continually responding to the horse’s movement. The rider makes small postural adjustments to remain balanced. Those adjustments engage the muscles of the trunk and pelvis and require the nervous system to process continuous sensory information.

The horse is not a magic cure. Rather, the horse provides a unique environment in which movement and sensory challenges can become an engaging activity to reboot an otherwise inactive, sedentary lifestyle; one possibly due to pain, fear of falling, or a lonely existence.

For someone who has become less active because walking is painful or difficult, finding an activity that feels meaningful rather than like "exercise" can make a huge difference.

At the clinic, participants first had an opportunity to interact with the horses from the ground while learning about movement, balance and the potential benefits of equine-assisted activities. Afterward, participants could choose whether they wanted to ride.

For those who were nervous around horses, there were safety measures and support. Centaur Stride’s horses are specially selected and trained, and leaders and sidewalkers are provided when appropriate. The facility also has a hydraulic lift to assist riders in mounting and dismounting.

Dana Corwin, Director of Chautauqua County’s Office for Aging Services, attended the clinic to learn more about the program. Corwin said she initially had a fear of horses since childhood, but was curious and would love to overcome her fear.

"Participating in the Equine Therapy for Seniors program at Centaur Stride has been a wonderful experience," Corwin said. "I began with a fear of horses, but their gentle, calming presence helped me overcome that fear."

Corwin also lives with arthritis in her back and joints, which can make movement difficult.

"Working with the horses encouraged me to move gently and comfortably while feeling supported," she said. "The experience has brought me greater confidence and a sense of accomplishment. The program has given me an opportunity to try something new, and to be active without pain."

She also credited the Centaur Stride staff for helping her feel comfortable and welcome.

"It was a good experience that I would gladly recommend to other seniors looking for a positive, engaging experience of the supportive benefits of equine therapy," Corwin said.

Her experience illustrates something important: participation does not have to look the same for everyone.

For one person, the goal might be improving balance. For another, it might be increasing movement or confidence. For someone else, it might simply be getting out of the house, spending time outdoors and making a connection with a horse.

As we grow older, maintaining health is about more than treating illness. It is also about maintaining the ability to participate in life.

That can mean moving more, building strength, challenging balance, maintaining social connections , decreasing pain, or simply finding something that brings joy and purpose.

A horse can become part of that equation. There is research and there is observation and outcomes.

At Centaur Stride, we witness those outcomes, and the hope is to create more opportunities for older adults to see and experience those possibilities for themselves. For more information, go to www.centaurstride.org or call the barn at (716)326-4318. We always need volunteers and donations to continue our mission, and are so thankful to those who make that possible.

Claudia Monroe is president and founder of Centaur Stride.