Horse riding therapy for HSP

Significant benefits reported

Florida (USA) runner David Steinberg, like his brother Luke, experienced success in cross country athletics in high school, He then completed the Disney Marathon in just over 3 hours in 2012.

Today, Steinberg is dealing with SPG11 Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. The diagnosis of his HSP came about a year ago after a dramatic, but successful finish of a marathon in Columbus, Ohio in 2018 despite severe dehydration and cramps.

The family found Hope Therapy in Middleburg, Florida a renowned Hippotherapy non-profit. “I found them on the internet and decided to give it a try,” said Mary Steinberg. “It’s a different experience for David; he likes horses and I read that the movement of a horse is similar to human walking movement.”

David on horseback & friends

“We want to keep his mobility to walk and stay out of a wheelchair,” said Mary Steinberg. “This was his third session on the horse and we have seen more erect posture, he can side step better and he has improved range of motion with his legs”. David said “I feel a lot looser when I get off the horse. I’d like to run again.”

Read the entire article

SOURCE:  Clay Today, Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Hope Therapy bringing life back to racing legs

by Randy Lefko Sports Editor


Riding for the Disabled Association Australia (RDAA)

RDAA is a voluntary, nonprofit organisation that provides opportunities for anyone with a disability to enjoy safe, healthy, therapeutic, horse-related activities in Australia. 

You can learn a lot more here: https://www.rda.org.au/

To find an RDA centre near you, start here: https://www.rda.org.au/contact/

There are centers in every state.

Valley RDA, Queensland

Valley RDA is situated in the beautiful Gold Coast hinterland at the southern end of the Gold Coast. It is nestled in the Tallebudgera Valley surrounded by many equine breeding, training, spelling and agistment properties. We share our grounds with the Tallebdugera Pony Club where we started 19 years ago.

Our facilities are continually being upgraded with a full size outdoor sand arena, an undercover arena, another smaller grassed arena for our games, a sand roundyard, bush/trail riding paddocks fronting the Tallebudgera River and a large grassed area for mounted games.

Our centre is run on a total volunteer basis including volunteer placements from Bond and Griffith Universities, local high schools, Rotary Clubs and of courses the general public.

Our volunteers include a fully qualified coaches – One Level 2 coach and National Assessor, 2 Level 1 coaches and 4 OTC (Training) coaches, 1 Hippotherapist and 3 Hippotherapy Horse handlers.

Learn more:  https://www.rdaq.org.au/valley/

RDA SA

Many different horse-related activites are available through Riding for the Disabled. 

While not all of these are provided at all centres in SA, the programs on offer are designed to be interesting and challenging, building upon each individual’s abilities towards achieving independent riding.

Learn more:  http://www.rdasa.org.au/

RDA Australia South West Centre

RDA enables people with disabilities to experience enjoyment, challenge and a sense of achievement through participation in equestrian activities to improve their quality of life, attain personal goals and develop life skills.

RDA develops the abilities of and enriches the lives of people with disabilities through sporting, therapeutic, educational and recreational equestrian activities.

RDA Centres provide suitable horses, trained volunteer helpers, accredited RDA coaches, riding and safety equipment to run a range of equestrian activities including structured riding classes, recreational horse riding, hippotherapy, mounted games/competitive riding, vaulting, carriage driving, dressage.

Learn more:  https://rdaasw.org.au

Valery Horse Trails

“Experience horse riding at its best” at Valery Trails.

Valery Horse Trails is a long established Horse Riding Centre on the Mid North Coast of NSW and holds accreditation with the Australian Horse Riding Centres (AHRC) . The centre offers trail rides, beach rdes, lessons, kid’s club, Riding for the Disabled (RDA) and tailored programs for children, young people and groups.

Located only 20 minutes south of Coffs Harbour and 15 minutes north-east of Bellingen, the property is situated on approximately 270 acres in majestic natural surroundings, with valleys, creeks, rivers  and rain forest and is surrounded by national parks and state forests. Our 40 well-disciplined horses are suitable for beginners or experienced riders alike.

Learn more:  https://www.valerytrails.com.au/

Riding for the Disabled, Griffith Centre

Provision of therapeutic riding instruction for children & adults with physical & intellectual disabilities.

The primary objective of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is to provide most people with a disability, the opportunity to ride and enjoy all the activities connected with horse riding. Riding for people with a disability is both therapeutic and recreational and RDA is in fact one of the few organisations who offer a multi-diagnostic service, catering for people with a wide range of disabilities.

Learn more:  https://www.griffith.nsw.gov.au/community-services-directory/organisation.asp?id=52&m=p&org=CSD-EGD-11-03-86

Arundel Park Riding for Disabled Inc

Arundel Park Riding for Disabled Inc (APRDA) is a Not for Profit Charity Organisation founded in 1981 with the focus to provide a horse riding experience for children and adults with a disability.

For 32 years people have volunteered their time to make this service happen. We have been in our current location at Coombabah since 1985, a slice of country tranquillity in a centrally located area of the Gold Coast with easy access to public transport. Our herd of horses all have important roles and teach life lessons to so many.

Learn more:  https://www.arundelparkrda.com.au/about-aprda/

Pegasus RDA

Pegasus RDA is based in ACT.

Learn more:  https://www.pegasusact.com.au/hippotherapy.html

Riding for the Disabled Association of Tasmania

WELCOME to Riding for the Disabled Association of Tasmania (RDA Tasmania). We are an entirely voluntary, not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to provide services to people of all ages with disabilities to enable them to enjoy safe, healthy, stimulating and therapeutic horse-related activities.

Our programs are run by Nationally accredited Coaches. Lessons are planned to be fun and stimulating to build upon confidence, independence and to develop a sense of achievement.

Learn more:  https://www.rdatas.org.au/

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