Drive 25 minutes east from Seattle to Redmond, continue down a small country lane, cross over a bridge, and you will find magic in the form of Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center. Part horse farm, part therapy center, Little Bit truly has been positively transforming the lives of individuals with disabilities, one ride at a time, for half a century.
A unique therapy
Since its humble beginnings, the program has helped thousands of people, kids and adults alike, with a unique therapeutic approach called Hippotherapy. Simplified, it’s a medical treatment that uses the natural movement of a horse to strengthen bodies and minds. Currently, there are more than 100 different diagnosed disabilities among Little Bit participants, including cerebral palsy, chromosomal disorders, multiple sclerosis, and autism. Anyone with a medically recognized disability is eligible for Little Bit’s therapy services.
Participants can begin therapy as young as age 2, and some riders continue participating in therapy programs for decades.
No previous experience with horses is necessary, but be warned: After getting to know these specially trained horses, most participants become lifelong horse enthusiasts!
On a recent visit to Little Bit’s 14-acre property, therapy was underway. Most people on site, whether staff, volunteer, or participant, agreed: This is a special place. AnnDee Mayers has been riding at Little Bit for 20 years. She summed up her experience: “I always feel like coming to Little Bit is like receiving a big hug.”
What’s it like?
A typical individual therapy session includes a weekly 30-minute ride with the assistance of a team of professionals. Some services may be covered by insurance, but financial aid is also available. Licensed therapists, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, guide participants through each therapy session based on their medical needs.
A horse handler and at least two volunteers also assist with each session to help balance the rider, lead the horse, and move equipment. Members of each therapy team — which include the disabled rider — stay consistent over time, so they can build a relationship and work toward achieving each rider’s medical goals.
Emma, a 13-year-old with Autism and ADHD diagnoses, came to Little Bit about a year ago. She has always loved horses and hippotherapy and adaptive riding have complemented Emma’s other therapies. Emma’s interaction with staff and horses has raised her sensory tolerance and strengthened her body, her mother notes, while also amplifying her love for horses.
Benefits
The range of benefits from hippotherapy are all-encompassing. Key among them are improved core strength and balance, better body control, increased spatial awareness, strengthened bones and joints, and improved spinal alignment.
Beyond those physical improvements, hippotherapy helps develop human-animal connections and helps participants build confidence. Riding a horse gives individuals a literal heightened view of the world, staff explain, and this perspective can boost mental health and self-assurance.
While the riders are the key focus of Little Bit’s mission, the horses are a driving force behind each rider’s physical and emotional growth. With 33 therapy horses, that’s a lot of positive force for kids with disabilities. Horses are carefully selected for their temperament, ability to train and follow directions, and non-reactiveness. About one-third of Little Bit’s horses are Norwegian Fjords, a sturdy yet not-too-tall breed that lends itself to comfortable rides and easy assistance from therapy teams on the ground. All horses receive top-notch medical care and training as well as infinite love from the people they work with each day.
In addition to the horses and paid staff, an army of volunteers helps keep Little Bit’s programs running. With more than 1,300 volunteers on the roster, volunteers are the heart of Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center sessions, helping with barn and other tasks to keep the program running. More volunteers are always welcome. Anyone age 14 or older can step up. Training is provided.
Oakley takes a ride
The staff, volunteers, and horses all work toward a single purpose: To help people with disabilities, like 7-year-old Oakley, lead richer lives. Oakley had a stroke shortly after birth that greatly affected his mobility and vision. He began riding at Little Bit three years ago.
“Since coming here he’s gained so much confidence and core strength,” his dad, Robbin Harris, said. “When Oakley is happy he gets so excited. He shakes his hands and his head and he laughs out loud.”
Harris added: “Getting to see him that happy with the horses and everything he gets to do here, it’s pretty special.”
