Mississippi State’s 4-H program office operates with a new program called physical therapy on horseback. The goal of the program is to develop a model therapy-riding program to promote and support the growth of therapy riding in Mississippi. Physical therapy on horseback promotes physical, emotional and psychological benefits to individuals with disabilities.
“One of our goals is to establish a credited academic program with a concentration in therapy riding,” Mary Ford, coordinator and certified instructor, said.
Instructors and health professionals plan the therapeutic lessons. The horse is a treatment tool to help the rider with physical benefits along with improving posture, strengthening muscles, trunk balancing and developing a bond with the animal.
“The movement of the horse at a walk provides sensory input that stimulates normal muscle responses,” Ford said.
The horse is like no other piece of equipment or machine available. The horse walks at 30 paces per minute, and the rider receives 3,000 muscle responses in a 30-minute session.
“The patients are getting the normal muscle movement that they don’t get normally, along with good exercise,” Ford said.
The program operates through MSU 4-H program, an experiental learning program that encourages young people to get involved in their community and use their knowledge to help others.
“Riding horses gives the rider a sense of independence and increased self-esteem,” Ford said.
Physical therapy on horseback is a volunteer program and currently has two MSU student volunteers from the Social Art Department. The program needs volunteers for the spring session.
In order to participate in the program, patients must have a medical release and reassessment by Glenda Tranum, the physical therapist at Oktibbeha County Hospital.
The physical therapy on horseback assists those with disabilities such as autism, spinabifida, visual and hearing impairments, cardiovascular conditions, Down syndrome, brain injuries, stroke and many others.
“This program helps a variety of patients from children to adults and helps get them out of the clinics,” Ford said.
Classes are on Tuesday mornings at the Mississippi Horse Park. A spring session will begin March 18 through May 13. To sign up or volunteer to help contact Mary Ford at 325-1695.