Special Needs, Special Horses: A Guide to the Benefits of Therapeutic Riding

By Naomi Scott

Book Overview

A growing number of individuals with special needs are discovering the benefits of therapies and activities involving horseback riding. Special Needs, Special Horses , by Naomi Scott, offers information about the amazing results possible with therapeutic riding, or hippotherapy. From recreational riding for individuals with disabilities, to the competitions some riders enter (and win), Scott describes the various techniques of the process and its benefits to the physically and mentally challenged. The book explores the roles of the instructors, physical therapists, volunteers, and the horses, and explains carriage driving, vaulting, and educational interactions with horses. Scott profiles individuals involved in the therapy, including clients whose special needs arose from intrauterine stroke, cerebral palsy, transverse myelitis, Parkinson's disease, paralysis, sensory integration dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, shaken baby syndrome, sensory damage, stroke, seizures, infantile spasms, Down syndrome, and autism. Special Needs, Special Horses is an excellent guide for the families of the many who do--or could--enjoy improved lives from therapeutic riding. It will also appeal to practitioners of therapeutic riding as an overview of their profession.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 157441190X
• ISBN13: 9781574411904
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: University of North Texas Press
• Length: 226 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Family Intervention

This book I strongly recommend for families who wish to do more for their students outside of the school setting. As a public school counselor working with students with special needs, I see this book as a down to earth guide to assist families who would like to do more for their student outside of the school setting. As we discuss the progress of their special need student in school, when appropriate, I have suggested looking into Therapeutic Riding. After reading this book, as an almost "Therapeutic Riding for Dummies", I visited an actual center that was not too far from my home. While there I witnessed an elementary aged student with special needs working with a trainer and the horse. It was great to see a transformation happen as the student's smile grew as well as the parents. This book helped me to understand the process and the goals. This knowledge helps me as a more informed counselor to convey to other families seeking other assistance for their student outside of the school setting.

Great Book!

I've purchased four copies and have recommended this book multiple times. Great book for anyone interested in Equine Assisted Therapy. Naomi is a wonderful, gentle lady and Holly Robinson who did the technical critique is one of the most knowledgeable in the field. A Must Have!

Special Needs, Special Horses

I found this book to be helpful for anyone interested in therapeutic riding. I have been doing therapeutic riding with people with special needs for 10 years and am a licensed therapist. This book offered clear explanations and tips for those who want to pursue this line of work or for people wanting to be well-informed about this type of therapy.

A Special book

Although this book is written with a target audience of riders, parents and volunteers, as an occupational therapist new to the area of hippotherapy and horses in general, I found it a helpful and enjoyable read. Long time volunteer, Naomi Scott has done such a good job explaining what is involved in working at a therapeutic riding center that readers will be inspired to check out this special field. Barbara Smith, M.S., OTR/L is the author of The Recycling Occupational Therapist and Still Giving Kisses: A Guide to Helping and Enjoying the Alzheimer's Victim You Love

Perfect!

I gave this as a gift and the recipient was thrilled! A very good book for anyone interested in horses used in therapy.