On August 24, 2017, San Diego students of the AYLUS volunteered again at a Therapeutic Riding Center dedicated to the healing of body, mind and spirit of United States Military Service Members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who have lost limbs, traumatic brain injuries, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and are recovering from these and other injuries and illnesses.
The center also provides equine assisted therapeutic riding to children, youth and adults with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities including brain injuries.
Unique to other forms of exercise, the horses’ three dimensional swinging gait moves the rider’s body in ways very similar to those produced by the normal human walk. The rhythmic movement and the warmth generated from the horse’s body soothes and relaxes tight or painful muscles, joints, and tendons and can also build strength and flexibility.
The San Diego Branch students are responsible for managing and maintaining 20 acres of property at the Therapeutic Center. They cleaned ice plants, twitches, and leaves on the 20 acres of property that they are responsible. After hours of hard work, all of the student’s hair are wet with sweat. The students did a great job because even the horses at the center know they are friends and let the students pat them from the sides. They also learned a lot about horses. All horses at the center are covered with fly masks so flies won’t bother the houses faces. The students also watched how a horse shoe was trimmed with amazement.
