"NARHA is a membership organization that fosters safe, professional, ethical and therapeutic equine activities through education, communication, standards and research for people with and without disabilities."
The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) promotes equine facilitated therapy and activity programs in the United States and Canada. Currently, more than 650 NARHA program centers serve some 30,000 individuals with disabilities. Each year, dozens of new centers initiate new programs and thousands of individuals profit from these beneficial activities.
Since 1969, NARHA has ensured that therapeutic riding is both safe for, and accessible to, those in need. In that time the field of therapeutic riding has expanded along with the numbers of individuals profiting from involvement with horses. Today NARHA represents a growing number of equine assisted therapies and activities, including recreational riding for individuals with disabilities, hippotherapy, equine assisted psychotherapy, driving, vaulting, competition and other· therapeutic and educational interactions with horses.
NARHA is proud to provide opportunities for people with varying ability levels to challenge themselves physically and emotionally and to set goals to improve their quality of life via the horse. Training professionals to support and facilitate this process, educating the public about the positive impact of the human/animal bond and setting national standards for safe and effective equine facilitated therapy/ activities will continue to dictate our growth.
More than 30,000 individuals with disabilities are served each year through NARHA programs. The American Occupational Therapy Association and the American Physical Therapy Association as a valuable adjunct to traditional forms of therapy recognize equine Facilitated Therapy and Activities. NARHA is also the accrediting organization for Easter Seals' camps with equine activities. Other organizations participating in NARHA programs include the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Special Olympics, Spina 8ifida Association and United Cerebral Palsy.
The riders, clients, therapists, instructors and volunteers involved in NARHA recognize the profound significance of equine facilitated therapy and activities. Over 670 NARHA centers around the nation and in Canada facilitate the personal growth and newfound wellness offered through the various interactions with horses in the equestrian environment.
SUMMARY
Therapeutic riding has been used since the early 1950s in Europe as a tool for improving the lives of individuals with physical disabilities. NARHA was founded in 1969 to promote and support therapeutic riding in the United States and Canada. Individuals with almost any cognitive, physical and/or emotional disability can benefit from therapeutic riding, driving, vaulting, competition or other purposeful, safe and supervised interaction with equines.
Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength.
For individuals with mental or emotional disabilities, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience and self-esteem.
Local, State, National and even International Competition often is the logical progression for individuals with disabilities who have mastered equestrian skills and seek to further challenge themselves.
The sense of independence and acceptance found through these activities with the horse benefits all.
Individuals with the following disabilities commonly participate and benefit from equine facilitated therapy and activities:
The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association serves a membership of 4,000 individuals and over 670 NARHA programs around the country. 5000 specially screened and trained horses make safe interactions possible
