‫העמק‬
-
‫טיפולית‬
‫רכיבה‬
‫מרכז‬
The Therapeutic Riding Center, Ha’emek, Israel
The Therapeutic Riding Centre - Ha’emek, Israel
Background
In 1989 the Therapeutic Riding Center-Ha'emek, was opened in the spacious
grounds of a youth village outside Afula, North Israel. The Center was established
as a non-profit organization and is running by two professional instructors:
Physiatrists, physiotherapist, and volunteers, including girls who have chosen to
work with the handicapped during their National Army Service and youngsters
from the youth village who have been trained as 'side walkers' to accompany the
riders.
More than 120 young disabled and handicapped youngsters aged 2 -40 from the
northern cities and villages in Israel attend therapy sessions at the Center. Over the
years the Center has purchased 10 horses. It takes approximately three years for a
horse to be trained and at present there are 6 horses being used for therapeutic
riding for the handicapped.
Therapeutic Riding
Throughout the world, therapeutic horse riding has been recognized as the most
successful, recreational therapy that a handicapped person can receive. The gentle
movements and rhythm of the horse, is passed on to the disabled rider creating an
inner balance and harmony. Children with CP and debilitating physical handicaps
have improved their muscle control, posture and self-confidence. Autistic
youngsters, unable to communicate with the world around them, have shown a
remarkable ability to interact with the horse, thereby opening up a New World of
communication with adults and peers. Balance, flexibility and coordination
acquired as a result of this therapy help in improving self-confidence and self
esteem, introducing a feeling of bodily control and freedom to the young person
trapped by his own handicap.
Non-profit organization 58-016-090-1 '‫עמותה מס‬
Afula, p.o box 2747 .‫ד‬.‫ ת‬,‫עפולה‬
Tel 06-6527065 ‫טל‬
Fax 06-6594385 ‫פקס‬
‫העמק‬
-
‫טיפולית‬
‫רכיבה‬
‫מרכז‬
The Therapeutic Riding Center, Ha’emek, Israel
I saw a child who couldn't walk sit on a horse, laugh and talk.
Then ride it through a field of Daisies and yet he could not walk
unaided.
I saw a child, no legs below, sit on a horse and make it go through
woods of green and places he had never been to sit and stare, except
for a chair.
I saw a child who could only crawl, mount a horse and sit up tall.
Put it through degrees of paces and laugh at the wonder in our
faces.
I saw a child born into strife, take up and hold the reins of life and
that same child was heard to say:
"Thank God for showing me the way."
***************
Non-profit organization 58-016-090-1 '‫עמותה מס‬
Afula, p.o box 2747 .‫ד‬.‫ ת‬,‫עפולה‬
Tel 06-6527065 ‫טל‬
Fax 06-6594385 ‫פקס‬