Stroke Survivor, Stroke Provider By Daphne Davey
S
troke! What an odd word, with two very different meanings but an important and beneficial connection. We all know a little about stroke, a disease in which brain damage results when a blood clot interrupts blood flow to the brain. We also know the calming and relaxing effect that stroking has on animals – horses included. We even “stroke” our friends with kind words to help them weather a crisis. What then happens when a person recovering from a stroke takes up horseback riding for therapy? And who is stroking whom? Jennifer Barnes Van Elk, Executive Director of Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association in British Columbia (www.ctra. ca), takes up the story: Horseback riding is an excellent form of therapy for stroke survivors. The benefits are multifaceted and dynamic. On the physical side, therapeutic riding encourages flexibility; improves strength and coordination, and contributes to the normalization of muscle tone. For stroke survivors in particular, it helps develop balance and movement and increases stamina. The three-dimensional patterning of the horse’s movement closely resembles the human walk – making therapeutic riding an excellent tool in regaining mobility.
The special relationship that develops between a participant and their equine partner is a major factor in the success of therapeutic riding programs. The incredible power of the human-equine bond has played a major role in the healing and personal growth of countless individuals. The emotional value of this relationship has helped many people overcome feelings of anxiety, depression and fear, as well as stimulating a sense of freedom, independence, and self esteem. At the Cowichan program, participants are paired up with a suitable therapy horse, and a plan is developed with the client, their support network, our medical committee, and program staff. Volunteers (trained horse handlers and side-walkers) will help the rider if needed. As greater independence is achieved, riders may progress to riding independently. In addition to being a proven physical therapy, therapeutic riding is an excellent recreational activity and can provide a gateway to participation in para-equestrian sport. Each rider is unique and the highly individualized approach to the services at Cowichan reflects this. It is a place of inclusion and community.
Please make a difference to a child or adult with a disability by donating to CanTRA at www.CanadaHelps.org.
Thanks to Jennifer Barnes Van Elk for reprint permission.
Tip of the Month!
Courtesy of Lorraine Pelletier, EC Certified Western Coach
How Equine Canada Certified Coaches focus on 10 key factors influencing Long-term Equestrian Development (LTED). Continuing from last month’s tip in Saddle Up… FACTOR #3: EQUESTRIAN EARLY START AND LATE SPECIALIZATION Comparing vaulting to gymnastics and figure skating: this requires athletes to learn very complex skills before they mature. They start at an age when they are able to maximize their flexibility. Vaulting, therefore, is an early specialization discipline. Riders need an early start so they can learn to sit and follow the horse in balance while they are developing suppleness, which means before the age of 10. Between the ages of 8 and 14, riders need to develop their overall motor control in the contact of riding. As teenagers, they develop the level of intellectual and emotional maturity required by the rider-horse relationship and can then begin HCBC 2010 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Brian Light, a stroke survivor, enjoys his fair share of strokes from equine companion Ginger at Cowichan’s therapeutic riding program. Photo courtesy of Cowichan TRA.
the ‘Learning and Training to Compete’ stage. Riders should not specialize in a particular discipline until they are at least 12 to 16 years old. Specializing too early may lead to deficits in the fundamental movement and sports skills, injuries, physical and mental burnout, and/or early retirement from training and competition. Quotes from Developing Equestrians in Canada. Be Safe and have fun! See the next issue: Factor #4. For more information, contact Lorraine Pelletier at 250-766-1975 or visit www.tranquillefarms.com. Lorraine offers lessons and various clinics at the Kelowna Riding Club and will travel to all clubs and 4-H groups. At Tranquille Farms we also work with remedial, rescued or abused horses. All disciplines welcome; experience Intrinsic Training. (See Tranquille Farms’ listing in Business Services under “Trainers”) www.saddleup.ca • 49