A pioneering physiotherapy service for children and young people which engages them in rehab through horse riding has marked its 10th anniversary.
The Children’s Therapeutic Riding Service was the first of its kind in Scotland, and remains the largest hippotherapy service in the country. Hippotherapy is a specialist horseback form of physiotherapy, which can deliver life-changing consequences to children with disabilities, including brain injuries.
The service, delivered free of charge, attracts young people from across Scotland to its base in Muirfield and has helped hundreds of families during its time in operation.
As well as live animals, there is also a mechanical horse called Oreo, which responds to hand and leg movements like a real horse and is linked to a screen to give riders a technology-led virtual experience. The use of Oreo has been particularly important in enabling sessions to continue during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Children’s Therapeutic Riding Service was founded by Susan Law, from Muirfield Riding Therapy (MRT) and NHS Lothian physiotherapist Heather Falconer, marking a groundbreaking partnership between the two organisations to deliver hippotherapy.
“I knew instinctively, from my years spent volunteering at MRT, that riding was of huge benefit but through meeting Heather and seeing her work, I could see how, through this physiotherapy service, we could help to change the lives of young people and their families,” Susan tells NR Times.
“If you have a child with a disability, it can be very isolating. Now, to see the difference engaging with our horses makes really gives a warm, fuzzy feeling. It’s very rewarding.
“Through our very specialist, physiotherapy-led service, we can accommodate rides for children with even severe disabilities.
“By securing National Lottery funding 10 years ago, we have been able to develop our hippotherapy service, which remains the largest in Scotland. We look forward to continuing our work into the future.”
Co-founder Heather explains the concept of their hippotherapy offering.
“Children are referred when their NHS Lothian physiotherapist believes hippotherapy to be the most effective form of physiotherapy for them,” she says.
“The children present with a huge array of challenges, including difficulties with mobility, balance, muscle tone, strength, coordination, body awareness and symmetry. Hippotherapy provides a means to address all of these issues and more.
“Hippotherapy uses the movement, warmth and rhythm of the horse as a therapy tool. As a horse walks, every step challenges its rider’s balance. This activates and strengthens the muscles of the trunk and pelvis.
“A 3-dimensional movement is transferred to the rider’s pelvis which mirrors the movement of a normal rhythmic human walking pattern, and gives experience of a normal walking pattern. The warmth of the horse and a gentle rolling gait can relax tight muscles, while a more choppy movement can increase low muscle tone.
“It is great fun, both for me and for the children I work with, for them it doesn’t feel like therapy, but delivers consistently amazing results.
“It is also much easier to connect with a child and for them to trust me using the ponies or Oreo as an intermediary. It is a 3-way therapeutic relationship, 4-way if you count the volunteer key workers too.”
Charlie Kay, aged 13, has been using the service throughout its time in operation.
“The best part about the riding service is that Charlie sees it as more of a hobby than a therapy session. He has seen a real knock-on effect in mobility and his walking is so much better,” explains Melanie, Charlie’s mum.
“As the riding engages his core he is sitting up better and straighter. Not only is it great for his physical health, but Charlie also enjoys the social aspect of speaking to all the volunteers and staff.
“Not only are the sessions helpful to Charlie, I find I get great advice joining with other parents in the viewing gallery. I am very grateful to have the opportunity for us both to use this incredible service.”