Services We Offer

Riding Lessons

Private, semi-private and group riding lessons for riders with special needs.

Summer Clinics

Summer inclusion camps for riders from 7-14 years of age. Weeklong halfday sessions.

Therapeutic Riding

Individual and group

Hippotherapy

Farm visits

Girl Scouts

Special Olympics

Host Special Olympics Equestrian Riding Program

About Hippotherapy

What is Hippotherapy?

Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational, or a speech and language treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement. Hippotherapy is provided by an Occupational, Physical or Speech and Language Therapists (OT, PT, ST). These therapists have been specially trained in the principles of hippotherapy and horsemanship. Therapists use traditional techniques such as NDT (neurodevelopmental treatment) and SI (sensory integration) along with the movement of the horse as part of their treatment strategy. A hippotherapy session requires a carefully trained team consisting of: patient, therapist, horse expert, horse and sidewalkers.

What is the difference between Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding? (Equine Assisted Activities, Therapeutic Horsemanship, etc.)

Hippotherapy is provided by a licensed therapist in Occupational, Physical or Speech therapy, who has specific training. Hippotherapy has therapy-directed goals, such as improving balance, coordination, posture, fine motor control, articulation and cognitive skills. Therapeutic Riding teaches the rider to control the horse with such skills as reining, use of aids, and stable management. NARHA certifies Therapeutic Riding Instructors at 3 levels of expertise.

Benefits

There are wonderful benefits that come from the horse-human connection.

  • Children and adults need and have a desire to feel empowered.
  • When they sit on a horse and look down at their family and friends, the biggest smiles appear on their faces.
  • You would be amazed at how happy the riders are when they are riding these 1000-pound animals.
  • The riders feel (and are!) more relaxed after their ride.
  • Their muscles are not as tight. They are able to sit taller in their wheelchairs, or walk with less support.
  • You can see the improved sitting balance, posture, and straighter legs when walking.