Benefits of Therapeutic Riding

Pre and post functional improvement measures are evaluated to assess rider improvements, as well as the completion of *satisfaction surveys by parents and caregivers of riders.

Average improvements were calculated in the therapeutic areas as follows:

• Sensory function - 34%
• Cognition and language - 61%
• Posture and coordination - 29%
• Social and leisure - 71%
• Self-confidence and assertiveness - 53%
• Health maintenance - 31%
• Self care skills - 44%

*Satisfaction survey results on a four-point scale (1-strongly disagree, 2-disagree, 3-agree, 4-strongly agree) indicated 90-100% of respondents rated knowledge of staff, safety, horse condition, and feeling welcom as agree or strongly agree.

Additionally:

• 100% of respondents rated strongly agree when asked if they would recommend this program to others.
• 70% felt their riders had accomplished goals as discussed at the initial evaluation.

BEAMING also provides worksheets for each rider's volunteer side-walkers to assist in goal attainment and progress.