TAILS FROM THE TRAILS

The Science Behind the Work

Immersion in Nature: Riding through the farm's outdoor environment, participants will be surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. The changing landscapes, rustling trees, and fresh air can have a calming, grounding effect, helping to regulate the senses.

Tactile Stimulation: The physical act of riding a horse provides wonderful tactile input. Feeling the horse's movements, the saddle, and the reins can be incredibly soothing and organizing for the sensory system.

Vestibular Input: As the horse walks, trots, and navigates the trail, the rider will experience gentle rocking and swaying motions. This vestibular stimulation can have a therapeutic effect, improving balance, coordination, and body awareness.

Proprioceptive Feedback: The weight and resistance of the horse helps provide deep pressure input, which can be calming and regulating for individuals with sensory processing differences. This proprioceptive feedback enhances body awareness and motor planning.

Multisensory Integration: By engaging multiple senses simultaneously - sight, sound, touch, movement - the Sensory Trail experience encourages the brain to integrate sensory information in a harmonious way. This can improve sensory modulation and overall sensory processing.

The opportunity to bond with the horse and explore the farm's natural environment in a structured, supportive setting is sure to be incredibly beneficial for individuals on the autism spectrum and those with various disabilities and challenges.