The Equine therapy project is a 16 week programme with Wakefield Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), a charity that provides therapeutic activities with horses for people with disabilities.
The project will take place within Wakefield older people’s service as part of their recovery pathway. Six service users will take part in the activity to help boost their confidence and improve their ability to socialise.
To ensure the sessions meet the individual needs of those taking part, the project will run over two stages. The first stage will be for those with memory problems and the second stage will be for those participants with mental health problems.
For two hours each week, the service users will get the chance to help out in the yard as well as groom and ride the horses. It has been shown that activities with horses have many benefits, including improved communication levels, the motivation for exercise, sensory awareness and a sense of confidence and companionship.
There are also other indirect benefits including working alongside RDA volunteers, communicating with others and working in a safe manner.
