EXPLANATION OF SERVICES

Therapeutic Riding:

Therapeutic Riding lessons are equestrian skill based lessons for people with disabilities.  The focus of the lessons is skill development and progression while improving the rider’s physical, cognitive, emotional and/or social skills.  Taught by a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH)  Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, and assisted by volunteer aids, helping the rider reach their full potential is of paramount importance.  Often times the riders participate in pre-mounted and post-mounted horse care.  Riders that have physical, intellectual, cognitive, developmental, and/or learning differences can benefit from Therapeutic Riding.

Group Classes: Group classes are 45 minutes long and have a maximum of 4 riders per class.  Group classes are beneficial due to the opportunity to interact with other riders and families.  The riders can also learn from the other students in the class and enjoy group activities.  All riders new to the equine program and therapeutic riding are strongly encouraged to register for group lessons.  Riders are scheduled by age, skill level and availability.  Financial assistance is available and based on the family’s financial need.

Private Classes:  Private classes are 30 minutes long and recommended for riders who desire the one on one attention to improve their skills.  Private lessons are especially beneficial for students who are honing their skills for competition.  Financial Assistance is NOT available for private lessons.  In the event that a student signs up for a group lesson and due to enrollment is the only person in a time slot, they will pay the group rate with the understanding that available spots will be subject to filling.

Hippotherapy*:  

Hippotherapy is a form of therapy that uses the movement of the horse as a means to achieve therapy goals. The horse’s movement promotes active responses in the client and facilitates activation of postural control, balance, motor and sensory systems.  The sessions are conducted by licensed Physical, Occupational or Speech therapists and assisted by a certified riding instructor and volunteer aids.   Although the focus is not on skill development, the client develops balance and feel of the horse and often times will participate in therapeutic riding as well.

Clients who have movement, speech and/or motor deficits can benefit from hippotherapy. Some of the issues that may be addressed in a session are:

• Abnormal Muscle tone
• Impaired Balance
• Abnormal Reflexes
• Decreased Coordination
• Impaired Sensorimotor function
• Postural Asymmetry
• Decreased trunk mobility
• Abnormal limb function

*A physician’s prescription for physical therapy and/or occupational therapy with hippotherapy is required.

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES

Minimum Age:          

Therapeutic Riding:  4 years old unless recommended to begin sooner by a medical professional.

Hippotherapy:  2 years old unless recommended to begin sooner by a medical professional.

There is no maximum age limit.

Weight Maximums:   Due to the recommendations from our veterinarian we have the following weight restrictions for riders:        

• under 5’ tall             150 lbs maximum
• 5’0” – 5’6”                180 lbs maximum
• 5’7” – 6’0”                210 lbs maximum
• 6’1” – 6’5”                250 lbs maximum

Postural Control:      Riders over 80 pounds must be able to maintain a sitting position; at least by holding on with one hand.

Fee Schedule and Policies:

There are three Sessions (blocks of lessons) per year:  fall, winter and spring.  Sessions are ten weeks long with an additional week of make-up for classes that are canceled due to inclement weather. Classes are held in the mornings, afternoons and evenings with one week of makeup lessons.

Click here to download the Returning Rider Packet

Click here to download the Complete Rider Packet and Session Registration Form