The dictionary defines sympatico as commonality of mind or purpose…a ...‘oneness‘… Sympatico Equine Rescue, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Wellington, Florida, that formulates and underwrites programs which pair retired horses with people who have special needs, in various hands-on experience and educational programs. Sympatico Helping People-Helping Horses-Helping Childr
en™, was founded to assist the more than 500 horse rescue programs which operate across the Unites States, many of which are in dire need of funding. Sympatico provides value by means of its unique mission of pairing rescued horses with people in need, and by assisting independent horse rescue operations with programming, training and funding. While people participating in various programs underwritten by Sympatico gain unique knowledge and experience, the horses realize worthwhile second careers as hosts and educators for those who develop an eagerness to broaden their horizons as a result of their participation. The unique bond forged by Sympatico’s participants — a ‘oneness’ between man and animal–thus affords new leases on life for rescued horses while fostering learning opportunities for Sympatico’s human participants. Horses are heroes to millions of people. They enrich our lives and empower us. All horses in Sympatico-sponsored programs have already provided much benefit to those humans lucky enough to attend to them. No other animal has matched the contributions which horses made to civilization once the partnership between man and horse was forged. Although we no longer depend upon horses for travel and work, horses continue to make a significant impact on our lives. Although the benefits of human-animal interaction are well-known, developing a bond with a horse can be both physically and mentally challenging. Riding and caring for horses produces many emotional and cognitive benefits, including memory improvement, heightened self-esteem and self-expression, and willingness to face challenges. Learning to ride horses improves basic physical skills; body awareness, balance, eye-hand coordination, muscle control, patience, focus and concentration. Added benefits of riding include enhanced spinal stimulation, sensory integration, motor, respiratory and postural control, balance, dexterity, coordination, endurance, fitness, and muscle strength and tone. Learning to care for horses builds independence, trust, cooperation, patience, empathy for others, and hope – not only for the participants but for their families and caregivers. For people, especially children facing often insurmountable challenges, relationships with horses provide a chance to succeed which is not always otherwise available. Your humane decision to help Sympatico Equine Rescue, Inc. undertake its mission thus helps foster programs which promote America’s youth. Hippotherapy, a riding therapy, is the use of horses and equine-assisted activities in order to achieve goals that enhance physical, emotional, social, cognitive, behavioral and educational skills for people who have disabilities. It not only focuses on the therapeutic riding skills but also the development of a relationship between horse and rider. It uses a team approach in order to provide treatment for the individual with the guidance of riding instructor.[1]
Horses provide a unique neuromuscular stimulation when being ridden through their one of a kind movement. Horses move in a rhythmic motion that mimics the human movement of walking. While riding, the horses stride acts to move the rider's pelvis in the same rotation and side-to-side movement that occurs when walking. The horse's adjustable gait promotes riders to constantly adjust the speed to achieve the desired pelvic motion while promoting strength, balance, coordination, flexibility and confidence.[2] One does not have to ride to achieve the desired effects of therapy. Horses can also act as an aid by giving those with disabilities a companion to care for. Grooming such as brushing, bathing, and currying aid in joint range of motion and have a relaxing and calming effect.
