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Studies show exercise not only improves your overall health and well-being, but also helps manage many MS symptoms. Move forward through exercise and find an exercise program in your community or become an expert in using a healthy lifestyle to help manage MS. Therapeutic Horsemanship is one form of therapeutic exercise available to people with MS.

Did you know a horse's gait is similar to that of a human's walk?  For this reason, the natural motion involved in riding a horse helps to strengthen and support the spine and pelvis. The repetitive movement mobilizes the joints and muscles, and improves balance and coordination, making therapeutic horseback riding a full body workout.

The interaction with such majestic creatures serves as therapy for the mind and spirit. The rider is given a sense of independence and achievement with the experience of therapeutic horsemanship.

Therapeutic horseback riding is a great way to improve your balance, posture, mobility and function. This is a chance for people of all abilities to have fun horseback riding and gain a new sense of achievement.

Therapeutic Horsemanship Facilities in the Gateway Area Chapter Region

The intent of the following list is to provide information to assist you in the location of a therapeutic horsemanship program. The MS Society is not endorsing nor recommending the services of these programs, but only providing a comprehensive listing of them to assist you in the process of finding a program that suits your needs.

 "Therapeutic riding gives me the opportunity to be active outdoors and to get exercise I could never get on my own." - Carol T., Marion, Ill.