“Riding therapy has had more of an effect on my health than I imagined, both physically and mentally.” Fiona has been coming for weekly sessions on therapy pony Charity, and is sharing her story in support of our Buy A Bale Winter Appeal, which runs from November to February. It aims to raise awareness of the impact our therapy ponies have for our participants, and to raise funds to support their care over the winter months.
Fiona, who has a chronic condition affecting her breathing, has been coming for weekly sessions on Charity. Her specially tailored sessions, made possible due to the input and support of physio Ishbel, with Coach Anne and the team, have been transformative for her.
Riding Charity makes me move more consciously, using muscles and movement to help with balance, breathing and control. Somehow, I find stretching, moving and breathing exercises are so much more natural in the Riding Therapy setting than in other clinical settings.
The life of an equestrian
A lifelong equestrian, being able to get back on a horse wasn’t something Fiona thought she’d be able to do again.
It is great to look forward to being with Charity when it feels like there is less and less to look forward to with my deteriorating condition. The familiarity of being on a horse, the horsey environment and understanding people is really meaningful, even if no longer at a pace or duration of ‘before’!
Time with her, although short as I run out of breath easily, is a very special. Even thinking about it in anticipation or reflection between our sessions can evoke good thoughts and feelings. Charity does not judge me even though I am slow, clunky and clumsy, she just gets on with the job! She brings together so many of the unique qualities of horses, like their ease and generosity – oh yes and humour! I have been lucky enough to know some very special horses in my life and she is certainly in that herd.
Not a one size fits all therapy
Fiona explains,
Riding Therapy supports on so many levels, the clinical physical side, psychological wellbeing and cognitive skills side. I find it’s easier to stay focussed on the now, and the volunteers, Coaches and entire team are so approachable and friendly so the social contact is also of value. It’s something I can chat about with carers, friends and family as positive subject.
Although rigorously risk assessed on every level and individually for each participant, the atmosphere is one a safety, caring and respect. This is not a ‘one size fits all’ therapy! These MRT folk are serious about every pony contact being positive and within the rider’s comfort, therapeutic benefit and joy scale! And boy do I feel the joy here.”
Physio Ishbel says,
The team absolutely love their sessions with Fee, including Charity, as we see how much it means to her and how much it benefits her. The sessions are filled with so much joy that we can gift her these moments with her long term condition. From a physio perspective, seeing the shift in her body position and positive impact on breathing she can achieve on the horse is truly amazing. It is an example of true holistic therapy on so many levels.
Support our incredible therapy ponies this winter
Our Buy A Bale Winter Appeal, which runs from November to February, aims to raise awareness of the impact our therapy ponies have for our participants, and to raise funds to support their care over the winter months.
Click here to buy a ‘bale’ for our incredible therapy ponies this winter, and we’ll add it to our Hay Barn here in our reception at our Centre! Choose from a Wee, Family or Big Bale, and help us to continue to provide our therapy free-of-charge so it is accessible to all who need it.
