ADHD / 3 Lessons / Age 10 / Big WOW!

Picture by: Adam, an 8-year-old

third-grader dealing with ADHD

I recently had the honor to bring a student with semi-severe ADHA into my riding program – semi to me means “functioning” however, very apparent. Mom – originally contacted me regarding “therapeutic riding”

 for her son and I referred her to a local organization specializing in therapeutic riding. She wrote me back to say – I’ve tried them multiple times and all they will do is put him on a waiting list with the reason being something about the lack of severity regarding his condition. Frustrating!  And, sad.

I told her I would meet her son and do an evaluation to see if I thought I could work with him (help)…we met – and the rest will go down as AMAZING! And, we’ve just completed our 3rd lesson! This child is BEAUTIFUL…Oh, how I love what I do for living!!

The students dad – is a neurologist – I told him I can’t believe I'm giving you my spin on the “neurological benefits” of horseback riding – but I’m going to…he smiled and listened with great respect. He had never looked into it…I’m so grateful I had the strength (courage) to go into it with him.  My one liner is that horses have a cadence or rhythm that is very similar to humans (at the walk) - when we ride - the body (the brain) thinks "we are walking" which causes a neurological "firing" if you will - which causes improvement in function.  Short version.

In addition, therapeutic riding teaches the skills of focusing, concentration, multi-tasking, and riding within sequences – to mention a few. A well-structured lesson program is extremely rewarding and a very motivating treatment to the challenges those with ADD & ADHA are faced with minute-by-minute – all day – every day. With that said – riding lessons (not focused on therapy specifically) – teach the SAME skills of focusing, concentration, multi-tasking, and riding within sequences – to mention a few. Same Same.

Many times the symptoms of ADD/ADHA – the hyperactivity, distractibility, and impulsiveness have often prevented success in attempts at organized sports. With horses – the one-on-one lesson along with the thrill of riding – is a natural medium for those with “motor driven” challenges. Often – for the child accomplishing a minor to major task during a lesson – is the first “sense of success” they have EVER felt. Can you imagine? Can you imagine how FUN that feeling would be – your first accomplishment or real feeling of SUCCESS?? You should see it!!!!  Have I mentioned I love what I do?

 1st – there is the mere challenge of riding a horse – which takes concentration and focus. Children (adults, too) learn quickly – that if they are NOT in control of the horse – the horse is in control of them… Controlling the movements of a horse is a rewarding achievement for anyone YET the ADD/ADHA child – feels and overwhelming sense of achievement in gaining that control – many times the 1st in their lives!

2nd – the main focus of a riding program (besides increasing riding skills) revolves around – challenges, increasingly progressive lesson plans with obstacle courses for the student to maneuver their horse through – multi-tasking at its BEST.

3rd – zero resistance! Think about it – the child is getting to ride – and learning many of the same tasks they are asked to do in the more formal setting of school, tutoring, etc., however, riding is WAY MORE FUN – very few kids resist the opportunity to ride. Very few…after all who doesn’t want to be a “cowboy”? Really? I read somewhere on the internet – wish I had noted it – what if we could change the ADD label to “Absolutely Delightfully Driven”. I so agree – with horses – students DO seem “Absolutely Delightfully Driven” and, successful – for me that is what really really matters!

To give you a visual of what some of our challenges are – many ADHA children – sometimes seem like they’re not listening when directly spoken to, lack the ability to make or maintain eye-contact, often become distracted in their activities, fidget, squirm and have problems with hyperactivity, some talk excessively, interrupt others, etc. horses force – as in – it’s a must – that the child FIND ways of dealing with these challenges ON their OWN in the saddle OR – zero control. If they are NOT in control – their horse is OUT of control. And, they figure that out FAST!

Riding in a good lesson program – takes a lot of skill, a lot of concentration and it is teaching them to multitask. If they don’t pay attention to what they’re doing – the horse is going to be out of control – they are learning ALL these things – and they don’t even realize it. Yet – their confidence in self – SOARS naturally – they feel the accomplishments with each lesson – did you hear that? They “feel” it which is the most powerful manifestation of success possible – feelings! Words really can’t describe this…powerful phenomenon!

What else? Working with horses teaches us…

1) The value of riding independently – being independent (to many it equals freedom and major accomplishment)

2) The splendor of nature and being in the outdoors – it’s rejuvenating after a long day of expectations set by society

3) How a true partnership really works – give and take (pressure and release), ask for what you desire (cues that horse trainers use), the power of saying “thank-you” (thank-you is a release of pressure on the reins), etc.

4) The power of being a great listener – listening to our horse and our instructor

5) The essence of being able to focus and accomplish the task at hand (instruction)

6) Non-verbal communication – the majority of the cues regarding working with horses is non-verbal often MORE powerful than verbal communication. Every movement means something…

7) You, your parents, your horse, your instructor – all come together to form a powerful TEAM and we all work together toward YOUR success. Honoring relationships…honoring your work, honoring dedication, honoring and holding a space for you to practice your skills, etc.

Horses are responsive animals, with a keen awareness and sensitivity to their surroundings, they bring their own personalities to the program and each – just like us – can feel up or down – full of life or a little down or quiet. Horses have the unique ability to give us immediate and very honest feedback about ourselves by reading and being sensitive to our verbal and non-verbal communication.

Horses offer hope and encouragement to all ages whether your having challenges with confidence, focus, attention, school, relationships – with horses many humans experience something they have never felt before – full unwavering acceptance. Horses meet us where we are…

I’m available to answer any questions you may have as to how working with horses can support your desires of life…Please pass this along to your FB friends – there are people out there that need to know about this phenomenon for their children (or selves).

With much gratitude,

Theresa

PS: this kid is responding amazing well..to riding - so honored to be a part of this process!  God is good...

PPS: Do not take your child to an instructor that has them walk around the rail and calls it a lesson.  (just say'n)