horse-riding therapy for children with special need

The Hope Village Orphanage and Dagbreek School for Children with Disabilities send children to Susan De Meyer twice a week as special guests to the Bergheim Country Estate near Windhoek, Namibia. They participate in the horse-assisted therapy program specifically for special-need children. These children aged between five and 15 learn riding skills as therapy to promote cognitive and motor development.

The former teacher and rider was inspired by her own son with dyslexia, who improved remarkably through riding. Susan explains that the program helps children develop their balance, posture, and even speech: "Some begin to speak as they ride, for the horse becomes an extension of their own body."

According to Chriszell Louw, Junior Phase Teacher at Dagbreek School, "What you will see is the amazing transformation of the children. From the very first class they are scared to go on the horse, and now they cannot wait to be with these animals."

The program is supported by Richard Frankle, President of the Namibia Equestrian Federation. According to him, the ultimate goal is to develop para-athletes in equestrian sports such as show jumping and dressage." Frankle adds, "There are worries at the beginning about parents allowing their children to ride these big animals, but that concern soon goes as they see the immediate benefits that children are getting from this program."

Reference

Africanews and AP In Namibia, horse-riding becomes therapy for children with special needs

Available at- https://www.africanews.com/2025/04/21/in-namibia-horse-riding-becomes-therapy-for-children-with-special-needs/

(Assessed: 19th May 2025)