Training apparatus for physical therapy, therapeutic riding in particular

Apparatus for qualifying an individual for equine-assisted physical therapy, comprising:

• a rigid frame including four spaced-apart vertical members generally defining a rectangular volume, each member terminating in a lower end associated with ground contact;
• a rideable body suspended by a plurality of springs within the volume, each spring having one end fastened to a corner of the shaped body and an opposing end fastened to a respective one of the vertical members;
• the corners of the rideable body and each vertical member including attachment points enabling a plurality of springs to be attached from each vertical member to the body, thereby facilitating adjustment for different riders of varying weighs;
• the rideable body being substantially smooth and horseback-shaped, enabling bareback-style riding or a saddle to be received thereon, and
• at least one handle rigidly affixed to the rideable body and extending outwardly therefrom, the handle enabling a trainer or therapist standing outside the volume to direct the motion of the body with a rider thereon.

Apparatus for qualifying an individual for equine-assisted physical therapy, comprising:

• a rigid frame including a plurality of upright, spaced-apart vertical members defining a volume, each member terminating in a lower end associated with ground contact;
• a rideable body suspended within the volume, including a front portion and a rear portion with attachment points enabling a plurality of elastic members to be attached from each vertical member to the body to facilitate adjustment for different riders of varying weight;
• and
• two handles rigidly affixed to the rideable body, one extending from the front portion to a point outside the volume and another one extending from the rear portion to a point outside the volume, the handles enabling a trainer or therapist standing outside the volume to direct the motion of the body with a rider thereon.