For the first time in Israel – Combining therapeutic riding with Vardi’s treatment method TRCI has developed a program of treatment, called “Vardi on Horseback” using physical and cognitive exercises, both on the ground and on horseback in the arena and the stable and sometimes in the clinic. The work with the children is done by means of play and empowering, enjoyable experiences. It focuses on the various coordination systems (such as spatial perception, crossing the midline, gross and fine motor skills, the ability to split attention, the vestibular system, the sensory-motor system and more) and the ability to work in balanced synchronization with all of the systems at once.

Horse riding provides an amazing advantage, as it (almost) automatically activates many of the systems and allows for work to be carried out during the pleasurable and empowering experience of horse riding.

A little about the Vardi Method – It was developed in 1996 by Shirley Vardi. The method is based on neurophysiology, and it focuses on the connection between brain function and body functions; the connection between motor development and creating various neurological connections in the brain. The better the quality of these connections, the better a person’s cognitive, motor and emotional functions are.

When there is a disorder in these connections, functional and developmental problems can occur.

Vardi’s method works on improving the various systems working with the potential motor skills of each person.

Combining the two methods of therapy, we use Vardi’s method for diagnosis to verify the exact source of the difficulty and place the focus of therapy where it will be most effective and fastest for the patient. Therapy then focuses on the coordination systems [spatial perception, crossing the midline, gross and fine motor skills, the ability to split attention, the vestibular system, the sensory-motor system etc].

Therapeutic riding on the horse, activates many of the systems and awards a therapeutic process, by means of an empowering experience, the patient in enlisted to create an environment of enjoyment and fun, along with achieving results from the treatment.