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LIFESTYLE

The therapeutic riding team - a
horse, a leader, a rider and two
sidewalkers, one of which is also an
Occupational Therapist

enhancing sensory input. This kind of input RELEASING TENSION management staff and public relations staff. The
cannot be reproduced in any other therapy. The HeartMath Institute has been researching two live-in grooms are invaluable in taking care
The vestibular system works closely with the the intelligence of the heart for some time, and of the horses’ living environments and preparing
proprioceptive system, encouraging balance results have shown that the heart generates them for their work. The ground staff maintain
and equilibrium reactions, as well as body and WKH ODUJHVW HOHFWURPDJQHWLF ÀHOG LQ WKH ERG\ the sensory trail, and look after the arenas,
spatial awareness of the most beneficial Heart-rhythm coherence refers to a resting gardens as well as the indigenous grassland
kind – this involves approximately 1 000 heart rhythm that is smooth and consistent; paddock. The centre strives to work in a way
random movements in 10 minutes to which where energy is conserved because our that does no harm, and, in many ways, helps
the rider has to respond involuntarily. The systems are performing optimally, and there is to regenerate the environment. The ground
vestibular system gives us the ability to stand synchronization between the heart, respiratory staff look after a biogas digester which reduces
and balance, and the proprioceptive system system, and blood-pressure. A person who is dependency on electricity. They look after the
enables us to know where we are in space. under stress is not in a coherent state. If living property’s soil health that supports a variety of
The digestive system is also stimulated by the in species-appropriate conditions, the horse wildlife as well as the indigenous plant habitats
horse’s movement which can be immensely maintains heart rhythm coherence, so when that the Centre is actively rebuilding.
helpful to a person whose ability to eliminate a person steps into a horse’s electromagnetic
is reduced because of their disability. ÀHOG WKHLU KHDUW UDWH DXWRPDWLFDOO\ EHJLQV WR All of this comes together to build an environment
adapt to that of the horse. This means that in which the EARTH Centre horses provide
Horse riding has a positive effect on high and the horse brings your heart rhythm towards stimulus and enjoyment, which revitalise our
low muscle tone; it helps to eliminate spastic an alignment with his own coherent state. lives by taking us back to our roots, to nature,
muscle patterns whilst neck, back, limb and With improved coherence, built-up emotional to movement and to adventure which is not
trunk control starts to improve. The rider will tensions in people may begin to be released. dependent on physical strength for its successful
feel a change in their posture, improvement partnership, but love and mutual understanding.
in range of motion, awareness, symmetry, THE TEAM
balance and co-ordination. Riding also At the EARTH Centre, our therapeutic horse HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT OUR WORK?
provides an exciting way to perform crucial riding programmes require a team consisting of This type of work requires numerous resources
motor skill exercises that are interesting to the instructor, one leader per horse, one or two including ongoing funding.
engage in. In addition, the physical warmth side-walkers to stabilise the child on the horse’s
of the horse is another one of its powerful back, and, of course, the horse and rider. Each Hay for a Day – Sign up for a debit order of
therapeutic qualities which helps to relax and member of the team plays a unique role to just R99 per month to help the centre cover
release tight and spastic muscles. ensure the rider receives the most effective the costs of feeding 16 horses and 2 miniature
therapy. The instructor’s role is in the mounting donkeys.
In general, individuals with disabilities and dismounting procedures, to supervise
are very often socially and psychologically the horse’s activity during the session and to Corporate Social Investment (CSI) – Sponsor
isolated. By riding and caring for a horse, the orchestrate the learning for the child on the a child or a school group, a horse or other
disabled person builds a pure and trusting horse. The leader directs the horse's movement operating costs. Your company will be issued
relationship with another being; this effect is according to the instructor’s lesson plan. ZLWK D 6HFWLRQ $ 7D[ &HUWLÀFDWH DQG FDQ
often translated into relationships with the The side-walker is responsible for safety and claim B-BBEE points.
people in their lives. The horse effectively assisting the rider with exercises as directed by
becomes the legs of the disabled person the instructor. Each rider is assessed according Join our Golf Day – ‘Swing into Spring’ is being
and elevates them to a position where they to their needs and paired with the appropriate held at the home of the SA Open - Randpark
are not always looking up at someone, but team. The riders participate either in a group Golf Club on Tuesday, 3 September. Costs
are themselves directing another being, and therapy session or individual private session up are: 4-ball - R5 000 / Golf carts - R400 / Hole
seeing the environment from a position of to 30 minutes long, which will include a variety Sponsorship - R3 500 / Package Deal of a hole
power. of exercises and activities, as well as instruction DQG D EDOO 5
in horse riding skills.
The risk factor of riding is key to learning - it 7KH ($57+ &HQWUH LV D UHJLVWHUHG 1RQ 3URÀW
is a valuable means of increasing attention The EARTH Centre currently assists children &RPSDQ\ 1RQ 3URÀW
span and challenging the rider. Like with from 11 special needs schools. Over a one-year 2UJDQLVDWLRQ 3XEOLF %HQHÀW
animals such as dogs and dolphins, just period, the Centre provides approximately RUJDQLVDWLRQ DQG LV 6HFWLRQ
being around a horse is healing in its own 6 500 half hour therapy sessions to almost D DQG OHYHO % %%(( FRPSOLDQW
g
right - they accept us unconditionally, just 200 children, as well as Equine Assisted &RQWDFW GHWDLOV
as we are. They do not see disability, race or
as Learning programmes for corporate clients, marketing@earthcentre.org.za
social
social status. They have no need to judge, individuals and vulnerable youth. www.earthcentre.org.za
which helps to set a space for healing to Below is a link to a video of our work
hich
beg
begin. n. The Centre employs a wonderful team of equine https://youtu.be/zJPM_6ZYDOA
Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 3• 2019
8