Can horses help children with special needs? Priscilla Lightsey certainly thinks so. A licensed physical therapist with experience in pediatrics, Priscilla recently launched Horse Offering People Enrichment (HOPE), which offers therapeutic riding classes for special needs children in Beijing. We asked her a few questions about the issues surrounding therapeutic riding and how horses can work wonders.

What is the concept behind therapeutic riding (TR)?
When the horse walks, each hoof hits the ground at a different time, and each time the rider must work to stay balanced on the horse. Also, at a walk, the horse provides the rider with movement at the pelvis (hips) that is similar to a typical human gait. The horse's walk is consistent, frequent and predictable – all of which are important when learning or refining a motor skill.
 
Is this the first center of its kind in Beijing?
No, in 2006 I worked with Boai Yiyuan (China Rehabilitation and Research Center) to establish a similar program for the hospital. As far as we know, that was the first in Beijing. 
 
What got you into the therapeutic riding field?
In undergraduate school, I studied special education, and I had kept a horse since I was 10 years old.  While in college I was hired as a “wrangler” at a camp for special kids in Texas – that was when I realized my true calling. 

How are you able to convince parents that therapeutic riding is safe?
That’s a good question. First, as a North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) certified instructor, I do my best to adhere to the safety guidelines established by NARHA. NARHA is the governing body for therapeutic riding in the US: It has set the standards for horse care, certifying instructors, safety and more. Second, after having the concept of therapeutic riding described to them, parents feel that the benefits outweigh the risk. Third, I explain to the parents how the horse has been trained for therapeutic riding. Finally, I mention Mao Mao, the talented Equuleus riding instructor who leads the horse during the session. Having a knowledgeable “horse person” in charge of the horse is an important safety measure, because he can sense the horse's mood.

Where do your find your horses?
A friend, Kelly Lau, has horses at Equuleus. She approached the stable management and they agreed to lease HOPE three or four horses. However, after looking at all of the horses, I felt that only one was suitable. That horse, Fudi, has the right temperament, gait, build and movement – all of which are important in therapeutic riding.

Are the horses specially trained to handle children with disabilities?
Absolutely! How so? After looking at the horse to see if he has the right temperament and build, I look at his gait and movements. He must be balanced and move symmetrically. If he passes those tests, then we train him to be accustomed to toys (balls and Frisbees, for example), unbalanced riders and riders riding in a variety of positions. He must also get used to having many people around him during a therapeutic riding lesson. A horse leader, one person on either side and a rider are all part of the therapeutic riding team. 

So, how long does it take before a horse is deemed ready?
That depends on the horse. In this case it took a couple of months to train the horse and to get the equipment we needed.
 
How do children initially react to the horses?
There are as many reactions as there are children! On our first day of lessons at HOPE, three out of the four children were eager to ride, but the fourth was a little apprehensive.
 
What sort of experience does the child have?
Often there is a bond between the horse and the rider that is intangible, yet very special – I feel that is one of the most compelling reasons to do therapeutic riding. For example, a child with autism was riding at our first lesson. Generally, he does not speak, but while on the horse he imitated words on two occasions! 

What sort of skills does he or she take away?
When on the horse, the child works on balance and other gross motor skills. Ultimately, this can improve their ability to walk. It often boosts their confidence, self-esteem and communication skills.


Horses Offering People Enrichment (HOPE)
For more information on therapeutic riding in Beijing, email hopebeijingchina@gmail.com



Interview by Jennifer Ying Lan