“We thought it would be a good opportunity to share our passion for horses with as many special needs kids as we could. We’re asked to do community service projects each year,” said Golden Rose Riders 4-H Club Leader Rachel Kucera of Sleepy Eye.

Kucera said 13 children rose horses Wednesday and 15 more will ride next Wednesday, June 30 at Golden Rose Stables. In addition, children will ride a horse-drawn carriage led by Frank Bianchi of St. George.

Children brushed horses and cleaned the bottom of their hooves before riding them.

Therapists have found that controlled horseback riding helps kids with their posture, balance, and flexibility. Horse riding serves as a training activity for the body to move in the right way.

Another reason for enjoyment is that the use of horses is considered non-judgemental. It provides no prejudices to the healing process.

Therapeutic horseback riding opportunities are offered to children and adults with disabilities, while promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

In addition, horseback riding benefits include:

• Burning calories.

• A form of isometric fitness that can strengthen the core.

• Relieves stress and anxiety, giving one a break from the stress of daily life and a chance to enjoy the outdoors.

• It boosts socialization and can have a positive effect on your social circle.

• It improves coordination. Riding a horse may appear easy, but it takes a lot more to ride a horse than meets the eye.

• Horses are one of the closest animals to man, besides dogs and cats.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.