A result of this is poorly developed lungs. A strong set of lungs and an efficient cardiovascular system is required for optimal functioning and a healthy life. Riding horses is a means by which disabled persons can experience challenging exercises and thus improve their stamina and endurance.

The three-dimensional swinging gait of the horse causes the rider’s pelvis, trunk and shoulder girdle to react in ways similar to those produced by the normal human walk, providing the non-functional ambulatory a means of experiencing what walking would feel like without the interference from his own abnormal gait patterns.

When sitting astride the horse at the walk, the rider’s center of gravity is being continually displaced side-to-side, back and forth, up and down.

This constant shifting helps develop balance in the rider. The undulating movements from the gait of the horse are transferred to the rider providing neuromuscular stimulation while increasing cardiovascular output and respiratory excitation. Rhythmic movement on the horse has been found to be relaxing and soothing to the human mind and body. This increased respiration can in turn increase the rider’s ability to vocalize.