The horse - my friend

The movements of the horse always personated freedom. Slavs he was a symbol of the sun, but Proto was a totem of his tail did battle flag. The horse was considered an intermediary between the upper and lower world, Slavic god he Svetovit infiltrated into the kingdom of darkness and conquered death.

In ancient boarded wounded soldiers back

the horse to recover more quickly. It was believed that horses have magical curative power. Hippocrates recommended riding against insomnia, and in 16.-17. century some authors highlight the benefits of riding for posture, physical health and even a person's sensitivity.

In the first medical school in Vienna in the 18th century practiced riding in psychopathia because thanks to her musculature of patients becomes less excitable, and this in turn decreases episodes of hypochondria and hysteria.

Today, dozens of children suffering from cerebral palsy,

literally get up from their wheelchairs and walk

before the astonished parents thanks to this wonderful animal - horse and his master therapist. No, this is not a miracle fallen from the sky! Besides the pleasure of riding the horse can bring healing - and this therapy is applied in Bulgaria. Even long ago, although it has not been particularly popular.

Organized activities in hippoterapiya (from Greek literally - therapy horse) in the country are starting to take place in 1993, at "Khan Asparuh" in Sofia with children with cerebral palsy - from a physiotherapist and two coaches Equestrian. At the core are Assoc. Forget Gencheva by the National Sports Academy and her husband. In 2001 they created the National Association "Ustrem", which started to promote this method of treatment. Four years later, in the capital is held

first country race for children with disabilities.

Since then many children have received significant improvement in his condition, but Assoc. Gencheva already difficult interviews - is disappointed that in our country for this highly efficient method talk much and do little, actually nothing. In many countries in Europe these services are included in health insurance, others are supported by municipalities. Here negotiations with institutions long shot stone.

What exactly is hippoterapiyata? A method of treatment based on neurophysiologic principles. Healing riding stimulates the mental processes as they are performed psycho-social impact not only through training in riding, but by caring for horses - catering, cleaning, walking.

This builds a sense of trust

training is sensory motor skills, build a sense of responsibility and collectivism declined aggression.

Therapeutic treatment with riding centers for people with disabilities first appeared in the world after World War II. The Olympic Games in Helsinki in 1952 Artel Liz Dane won the silver medal after getting on his horse ... by wheelchair. Her example inspires many people with disabilities to discover new opportunities through horseback riding. After receiving numerous letters Artel and her physiotherapist establish programs for the use of horses in the rehabilitation of various diseases. In many countries around the world begin to establish national organizations hippoterapiya and therapeutic riding.

Exactly how horses help sick people? While there is no clear scientific evidence horses obviously have

very strong biofield, which comes into contact with our

and thus made an unconscious contact between the animal and man. Scientifically, however, that walk on horseback on the human body are transferred about 110 three-dimensional oscillations (something unachievable with any exercise machine) that improve motility - mobility in the hips, spine, adjust the stand and position of the head, says Assoc. Gencheva. These impulses stimulate the equilibrium coordination analyzer and apparatus for patients, reduce the increased muscle tone or Toga motion captured in action abdominal and dorsal muscles. In addition multidirectional impulses from horseback, which are transmitted to the seated rider can apply different exercises of rehabilitation methods.

Particularly Interesting in this therapy is that

do not use a saddle and a special belt with handles ,

for direct contact between the two bodies. Positively affects the body temperature of the horse, which has a 1-1.5 degrees higher than the human. This heat reduces spasticity of the muscles in cerebral palsy. By stubbornly repeating movements in a certain rhythm achieve their memory and they become a new driving habit for the small rider. A contact with the horse also motivates children - and this is an indispensable force, because it helps them to withstand the physical loads that way, other conventional methods hardly be adopted.

Since the first meeting with the horse usually causes fear

in children - because of his movements, height and dimensions previously held several sessions with the ball (ie. Fit-ball). So little accustomed to moving "seat" train to some extent his balance and learn to actively contribute to the therapist.

Through therapeutic pedagogical riding they build specific skills and care for horses. Animal care developed inner sense and control over their movements and behavior, precise execution of various movements, develop fine motor skills of the child, spatial orientation, self-assessment and its adaptation to the environment. When they caught up to feed, clean or walking the animal at the children further develop receptors - hearing, sight, touch, thermal experiences, taste and smell. Become more balanced mentally amplified their desire to communicate with others, as well as other animals. A close contact with the horse stimulates their imagination - the child speaks four-legged friend and so develop his speech and communication abilities. Retarded receive motivation to achieve success in training suppress aggression. And something very important - they

change the image of himself as "unfit".

Things that were known to healers in ancient times.

What is the greatest achievement in hippoterapiyata? Can not be answered unequivocally - every child has some kind of achievement, more or less, says Assoc. Gencheva. The extent to obtain the desired effect on the correction of the posture, posture, reduction of muscle spasm and improve gait depends on the degree of impairment. Children with autism can improve their communication with others, children with mental disabilities to socialize.

"For us and for parents greatest achievement is a child with cerebral palsy to walk, but such cases have many - is proud therapist. - Most impressive to us happened was more than 15 years ago when a boy with severe cerebral palsy, led by his great desire to get close to the horses and touch them stood alone on disability your cart before the astonished gaze of his mother. "

Recently boy of 17 years

with severe spinal cord injury came from Burgas on crutches after therapy it left walking alone, supported only on one side of his father. "A woman, also a spinal injury that could not sit alone in a wheelchair for a long time to learn to sit upright on the horse's back," says Assoc. Gencheva.

It does wonders. But achieves the impossible with the help of ancient noble companions of man.

Source: Bright Side