العربية 
A horse riding simulator is a device designed to mimic the motion of riding a real horse. It is used for therapeutic and rehabilitative purposes, especially for children with special needs. The device provides repetitive, smooth movements that mimic the movement of a horse, helping to improve a variety of motor, physical and mental functions.
At Free to Move Center we have different types of devices. Each device differs from the other in the nature of use.
1- The first device: the electric horse with vibrations and pulses
2- The second device: a horse-riding device with an interactive screen with movement games and children’s songs using hand movements.
3- The third device: a moving wooden horse
1- The first device: the electric horse with vibrations and pulses
How does the device work?
The device consists of a saddle-like seat, to which the child is secured with safety belts. The device oscillates the seat forward and backward and up and down, simulating the motion of riding a horse. The speed of movement and the intensity of the oscillation can be adjusted to suit each child's needs. The program may include a variety of exercises and activities performed on the device, such as balance, strengthening, and coordination exercises.
2- The second device: a horse-riding device with an interactive screen with movement games and children’s songs using hand movements.
It is an entertainment device designed for children, providing a fun and real horse riding experience.
The device mainly consists of:
- Moving base: The part that the child sits on and simulates the horse's up and down movement.
- Interactive screen: Displays pictures, games and songs for children, and responds to the child's movements.
- Sensors: Capture the child's hand movements and translate them into motion control commands and games displayed on the screen.
How does the device work?
- Sitting on the device: The child sits on the moving base and places his hands on the sensors.
- Interact with the screen: The screen starts showing attractive pictures, games and songs for children.
- Movement and interaction: When the child moves his hands, the screen and sensors respond to that movement. For example, if the child raises his hand and grabs the saddle on the horse’s neck, he can turn the screen left and right, or he may press a button and the horse jumps over obstacles.
- Sounds and Vibrations: The movement is accompanied by horse-like sounds and vibrations in the base to enhance the realistic experience.
3- The third device: a moving wooden horse
Choosing a wooden horse may seem simple, but it has many advantages that make it an effective therapeutic tool:
- Natural Movement: The horse mimics real horse riding movements, enhancing balance and coordination.
- Helps with standing and walking: The horse supports the child while he tries to stand or walk, giving him self-confidence.
- Muscle strengthening: It helps to strengthen the muscles of the legs, back and abdomen, which improves the overall strength of the body.
1. Main benefits:
-
- Motor development: The repetitive movements of the device help improve the child's balance and coordination of movements, which enhances self-confidence and reduces the risk of falling.
- Muscle strengthening: The device strengthens the muscles of the back, legs, abdomen and shoulders, which improves the overall strength of the body and helps to stand and walk better.
- Improve range of motion: The device helps increase range of motion in joints, reducing stiffness and improving flexibility.
2. Sensory development:
-
- Sensory perception: Repetitive movements of the device help improve sensory perception, such as the sense of movement, balance, and touch.
- Sensory integration: The device helps integrate different sensory information (visual, auditory, tactile) which enhances awareness of the body and surrounding space.
3. Social and emotional development:
-
- Social Interaction: The device can be used in group therapy sessions, promoting social interaction and cooperation among children.
- Self-confidence: A sense of accomplishment and control over movement helps increase a child's confidence in himself and his abilities.
- Relieve stress and anxiety: The device's gentle, harmonious movements help relieve stress and anxiety and improve mood.
4. The role of children's songs and touch therapy using the interactive screen:
-
- Using music to promote movement: Music can be used to motivate a child to make certain movements, such as raising arms or moving legs.
- Use of touch therapy during movement: The therapist can provide a light massage to the child while he or she is sitting on the device, which increases relaxation and comfort.
Intensive therapy sessions are usually longer and more frequent than regular sessions. A single session may last 1.5 to 2 hours a day, three days a week, up to 4 to 5 sessions a day, 5 days a week, and there may be several combined intensive physical and occupational therapy sessions a week.
Additional benefits:
- Improve sleep: The repetitive movements of the device can help improve sleep quality in children who have difficulty sleeping.
- Increased body awareness: The device helps the child better understand his body and improve positional awareness and control.
- Improve daily living skills: Skills learned through use of the device can help a child better perform daily living activities, such as eating, dressing, and bathing.
- The device must be used under the supervision of a specialist.
- The child's health condition should be assessed before starting treatment.
- Device settings must be carefully adjusted to suit each child's needs.
- The child should be closely supervised while using the device.
