Therapeutic Riding opens new pathways of physical, mental and emotional rehabilitation. The rhythmic and rocking gait of the horse transfers a gentle three-dimensional movement to the rider that relaxes muscles, improves muscle tone, flexibility and balance, and enhances spatial awareness. Outdoors with a team of encouraging volunteers and a supportive horse, self-control, self-esteem, self-confidence and independence grows. Rehabilitation becomes a joy rather than a chore.
Our riders, with challenges such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, neuromuscular disorders, post-traumatic brain injury and stress, cognitive limitations, emotional disabilties, autism and attention deficit disorder, use horses to experience an overall improvement in their quality of life.
Healing Powers
- Normalizes muscle strength and tone. Improves coordination, freedom of movement, balance, respiration, body awareness, tactile perception and oral motor control.
- Enhances self-image and confidence. Increases acceptance of unfamilar experiences. Develops loving relationships.
- Increases attending and safety awareness. Enhances comprehension and memory. Improves ability to plan sequence and follow directions.
- Improves interpersonal communication. Promotes family interaction and broadens social activity. Develops a recreational skill.
Therapeutic Riding
This is our core program. The objective is to teach adapted riding skills to the rider. Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemandship International (PATH) certified therapeutic riding instructors conduct each lesson for about an hour, usually once or twice a week for each client. The rider receives all the physical, cognitive, and emotional therapy in addition to learning how to ride with the goal of full independence. Riding a horse independently for a child with autism or an adult with cerebral palsy is an empowering and life-changing experience.
Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy refers to the use of a horse as a treatment tool by professional therapists to address impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities in patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. It can improve dynamic postural control, balance, mobility, and function but may also be used to achieve sensory processing and psychological, cognitive, behavioral, and communication outcomes.
In Hippotherapy, specific riding skills are not taught, as in therapeutic horseback riding; but rather, a foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing. This foundation can be generalized to a wide range of daily activities. (Please ask for our detailed Hippotherapy brochure that explains MTR's treatment program.)
Horses for Heroes
A special program designed for wounded warriors who have served our Country so bravely. Riding the horses gives them peace, confidence and the physical benefits of the horses gentle three dimensional movement.
Recreational Riding
MTR also offers a recreational riding program for riders of all abilities and ages. Using the MTR team of horses and a diverse set of professional instructors, MTR offers sport horse riding instruction in dressage, hunter jumper and basic riding skills for anyone interested in learning horseback riding.
Special Riders, Special Place
MTR is nestled in the rolling hills of a beautiful equestrian estate in Crownsville, Maryland, near the intersection of Rt. 32 and I-97. A map is on this website.
Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH)
As a premier accredited center of PATH, MTR operates under professionally-designed safety and therapeutic standards. Each therapeutic riding session is conducted using certified PATH instructors.
