Therapeutic Riding in Israel

Israel in Our Day: Therapeutic Riding

Reported by Shalle McDonald

Written by Kasey Barr 

January 2010

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Therapeutic horseback riding has become one of the most progressive forms of recreational therapy and is gaining recognition world-wide as well as in Israel.

According to the Israel National Therapeutic Riding Association (INTRA) “therapeutic riding is a treatment modality that uses the rhythmic movement of the horse to provide numerous physical benefits and psychological benefits. It is also strenuous aerobic activity stimulating a strong sense of mobility, power and control, balance and coordination, accomplishing co-operation, communication and concentration.”

Shlomi and Frieda Pillersdorf are the owners and managers of Chavat Chaim or “Life Farm” in Ra'anana Israel. Frieda directs the Therapeutic riding program and works with students of all ages and abilities including survivors of terror attacks, children at risk, traumatic brain injury patients, children with autism, developmental disorders, cerebral palsy and a broad spectrum of physical and emotional problems.

Frieda, who studied alternative communication, was among the first in Israel to test the waters and enter into the practice of therapeutic instruction for patients with severe head injuries. Nearly two decades ago, Frieda began using animals in the physical and mental recovery of patients with traumatic head injuries. She worked at the Medical Center in Hertzlia and saw how animals could make a change in patients that were otherwise unresponsive. Through her research and practical experience she discovered that animals are a powerful trigger for rehabilitation.  Frieda explained to Front Page Jerusalem that head injury patients need powerful stimulates to trigger a response and animals often motivate that response when little else can.

Though the main focus of the farm is therapeutic riding, Chavat Chaim also work with smaller animals such as rabbits, birds, dogs and goats. Frieda explained that in many cases small animals can make a larger impact because their response to human interaction is easier to see and influence.

Today Frieda, and her husband Shlomi, are in their eighth year as owners of their own therapeutic riding facility. A quick scan of the parent's waiting area provides an interesting insight into the philosophy of the farm. Orthodox parents, secular parents, Asian parents and group home parents all sit together watching proudly as their children learn to ride and overcome great challenges with broad smiles across their faces.

“For us we believe that in our small farm we are changing the community'” Frieda told Front Page, “If we all can learn to be together with everyone, Arab, Jew, or Christian, positive changes will come. I think if everyone can do a small change all of us can make a big change together. We need to ask ourselves,'what small change we can make today?'”

This patient approach is what makes Frieda such a successful therapeutic riding instructor. She celebrates the small victory and truly believes that each little success will culminate in an overall  victory of great impact – for her students and for the community at large.