Therapeutic riding tips her balance

 
 “Meet it and beat it,” is the mantra Heather Dyble has used since she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis twenty-seven years ago. It has served this gutsy woman well. Despite her debilitating disease, using grit and determination, she has not only found ways to halt the deterioration of some of her motor functions, but also to improve them. Sometimes she needs a little extra help.
 
At first she tried different exercises, including Tai Chi, but her balance continued to spiral downwards. She would not give up. At that time, she walked with two canes or pushed a wheelchair, which she refused to use in the conventional manner.
 
Eight years ago, a physiotherapist at an MS support group meeting suggested Heather try therapeutic riding. Equine movement is multidimensional. It is variable, rhythmic and repetitive. The horse provides a dynamic base of support, making it an excellent tool for increasing trunk strength, control, balance, building overall postural strength, endurance, addressing weight bearing and motor issues.

Every week since then Heather has ridden a series of different horses. In the indoor arena she walks up a gentle ramp until she is high enough to mount the horse. A volunteer leads the horse and two more volunteers walk on either side to support Heather. Once settled in place, Heather tells the horse to “walk on” to where the riding instructor performs a safety check on the tack and ensures Heather’s posture is correct.
 
Heather and two other riders and their teams ride around the Therapeutic Riding arena to warm up while the instructor watches to be sure everyone is comfortable. Heather has tried several different saddles, but the most effective is a sheepskin. The warmth of the horse and its rhythmic movements help relax her tight muscles so she is better able to strengthen her core and thighs.
 
Outside the Therapeutic Riding arena the team rides along the quiet, winding forest trails lined with mosses and ferns, smelling the fresh air and the cedar and hemlock boughs on the towering trees. It takes a half hour to circle the property which at different times is used by the Powell River Trail Riders Equine Club, Farmers Market, and Archery Club, so there is much to look at. Although mostly flat, some trails go up and down gentle slopes so Heather is constantly correcting her posture.
 
All this has definitely been worth the effort. Heather’s gait has improved enough that at home she walks unaided. This is a great freedom!
 
Heather credits therapeutic riding with much of her success. “I really appreciate, respect and admire the efforts of the staff and committed volunteers managing and directing the program,” she said. “I am determined to restore my balance.”
 
Heather Dyble’s success is but one of many achieved by the Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association’s programs. Riders with physically emotional, social, and learning challenges receive multiple benefits. It is an empowering form of therapy.
 
In addition to the Adult Riding Program, of which Heather is one of fifteen plus participants, the Powell River Riding Association serves more than 60 riders each week, from Preschool to Grade 12.

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