Students of the Special Education Department Visit the Israeli Therapeutic Horse Riding Center

First year Orot students in the Special Education Department studying in the specializations dealing with the integration of children with special needs into the regular classroom and children with sensory-motor impairments, paid a visit to the Israeli Therapeutic Horse Riding Center in Tel-Mond. The students were very impressed by their visit and enjoyed learning about the treatment aids of the center and its treatment methods for children in need of therapy. The Israeli Therapeutic Horse Riding Center is unique and was established in 1986 in Beth-Yehoshua as a volunteer and non-profit organization. The center has a professional, dedicated and skilled staff that helps populations with special needs through horse riding treatment as well as dog therapy.
Since dawn of history, horses were not only a means of transportation but also a symbol of status and wealth. More than 2000 years ago, Hippocrates noted that there is a medical power in the way the horse walks, and that horse riding has positive influences on the body – especially in strengthening and maintaining the functioning of the muscles.
The uniqueness of the dog is his being an animal that gives unconditional love, and becomes a connecting factor between man and his environment. Activities that provide positive reinforcement will help treated children achieve significant improvements in the various areas of their lives.
Students watched the activities of instructors with the horses. Children suffering from communication and concentration problems were treated through activities with dogs. We saw the smile and the sparkle in the eyes of the children and the pleasure they derived from their therapy.
The students highly recommend a visit the center, which is always happy to welcome volunteers.