At Dream Catcher of L.A, therapeutic riding and other equine assisted activities benefit the bodies, minds and spirits of people with disabilities.  Physically, the horse's movement has a dynamic effect on the rider's body.  A horse's movement closely resembles the normal gait of a human and can be used to produce specific physical changes in the rider, including normalization of muscle tone, postural and balance improvement and increased strength.

The horse's movement can also help mitigate sensory integration issues.  A smooth-gaited, consistently paced horse can provide the input needed to help a rider establish rhythm.  A rough-gaited horse may provide the stimulation needed to help organize and integrate sensory input.  Analyzation of movement while on a horse can help improve overall body awareness.

Emotionally, the success of overcoming fear and anxiety can increase a rider's self-esteem.  Learning a riding skill will also have a positive effect on a rider's self-confidence.  For some of the people involved in various activities at Dream Catcher, the center environment, the companionship and bonding with animals, and the development of new skills are all components in a successful experience.  The relationships that develop between riders, volunteers, horses and staff are all integral to a positive emotional experience.

Cognitively, the horse provides many of our riders with the motivation to learn new things.  Educational goals such as color, letter, number, shape, recognition plus sequencing can be incorporated into riding activities.  Socially, therapeutic riding activities enable individuals to interact with their peers in a group activity.  Riding and the related activities are fun as well as challenging.

Through the development of a riding plan specific to each rider's needs, Dream Catcher can generate individualized goals and objectives.  We invite and encourage our riders (and their parents, guardians, teachers and therapists) to participate actively in this process.