This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
“While some people are


resigned to leave special children like Zach confined


to a wheelchair, therapeutic horseback riding gives them more options and improves their quality of life.”


~ Kim Minarich, executive director of Southwest Florida’s nonprofit Naples Equestrian Challenge therapeutic riding program


horses and reaching for objects from a different perspective than usual helps youths develop their spatial sense and fine motor skills.


Enhances self-esteem, self-con- fidence and self-control. Riders are encouraged to give verbal commands to their horse during sessions, which effects a command of vocabulary and boosts confi- dence while they bond with the horse. While the documented benefits


are derived from personal testimonials rather than clinical studies, the posi- tive results for children like Zach are indisputable. Meanwhile, therapeutic horseback riding is gaining increased acceptance in the medical community as more doctors are recommending this life-changing activity for their patients. PATH International spokesper- son Cher Smith says, “Our mission is to help certified centers provide safe access for all individuals living with special needs.”


For more information, visit PathIntl.org.


For more information about Naples Equestrian Challenge call 239-596-2988 or visit NaplesEquestrianChallenge.org.


natural awakenings May 2014 55


It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver. ~Mahatma Gandhi


photo courtesy of Dream Catchers


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80