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FeedTherapeutic Horse Riding Choices
photos by Yvette Janvier
Clarice Gualtieri of Chalfont, PA, during a riding lesson at Special Equestrians in Warrington, PA. Leading is volunteer Angela DiPasquale. They are trotting, which stimulates large muscle groups and helps Clarice focus.
On any Saturday afternoon at centers around the Delaware Valley and the nation, children with disabilities are learning to ride a horse. Therapeutic horseback riding is an enjoyable, educational activity that develops skills and builds friendships.
Therapeutic riding programs vary in their programs, riding styles and even the size of their horses. Riders can be found in an indoor ring or out on the trail. Some children take lessons alone, others in pairs or larger groups.
In most area programs, an instructor closely accompanies beginners and at least one volunteer “sidewalker” walks or jogs alongside the horse and supports the rider. More experienced students can trot and canter on their own. Programs also range in price, from free of charge to $50 or more per lesson.
At most riding centers, time in the saddle is just the beginning. Students participate in a variety of equine activities, such as grooming, feeding,attaching the lead rope and walking the horse. In addition to weekly instruction, many stables offer special events, as well as specialty and summer camp programs. Here are examples of the varied horse therapy activities
offered by area riding centers.
A Horse for Every Rider
In addition to therapeutic horseback riding, Special Equestrians in Warrington, PA, offers hippotherapy, a treatment that uses activities on the horse to help children develop functional skills. With sessions led by an occupational or physical therapist, hippotherapy is well-suited for younger riders and children with significant needs. These and other equine activities run throughout the week at this state-of the-art facility.
Among the innovative programs at Special Equestrians is REINS (Riders Excelling In New Skills), “a small, multi-sensory group program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). The curriculum includes both mounted and unmounted components,” says program director Anne Reynolds. Participants ride, but they also practice handwriting and play communication games. Occupational therapists and riding instructors work together with individuals and in group sessions.
Horseplay
At the Kaleidoscope Therapeutic Riding Program in Mount Laurel, NJ, founder Kelly Adams uses kid-friendly activities to help riders explore their potential. Theme days, such as Mardi Gras and Welcome to Spring, come complete with costumes. Horsey games, such as relay races with giant spoons and tic-tac-toe with bean bags, add to the fun.
These themes and activities are the therapy. They create a warm environment and provide a fun, non-competitive way for children to interact with and learn from each other. According to Adams, “In this playful kind of setting, everyone excels.” While things can get silly, learning to ride is the goal. Usually, two students, preferably at different levels, take 30-minute lessons together.
Start Small
CHASE (Challenged Horsemen and Small Equines) Center founder Sherry Bohl offers therapeutic riding on miniature horses (34 to 38 inches tall) at DREAM Park, a recreation complex in Logan Township, NJ. “Lower to the ground and not as intimidating, smaller horses are perfect for younger children,” says Bohl. CHASE welcomes riders as young as 2 to 3 years of age.
With the smallest students in mind, the CHASE Center sports a tiny saddle and three miniature mounts, Diva, Diamond, and Miss Special. Currently, lessons are offered one day a week.
Teen Scene
Therapeutic horseback riding is not just about the riders. The generosity of volunteers, usually teenagers from the local community, sustains day-to-day operations at many centers. From cleaning stalls to playing with siblings to walking alongside the horse and rider during lessons, volunteers make a crucial difference.
Although it is not for everyone, volunteer work at riding centers can be amazing and transformative. A phone call to your teen’s center of choice is enough to start the volunteer process.
Research on Riding
Programs have different ways to collect data on students and closely monitor their progress. One center, Quest Therapeutic Services in West Chester, PA, has a unique equine research project.
Through a grant from Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism advocacy organization, professionals at Quest will launch, run, and evaluate an Equestrian Therapeutic Interactive Vaulting program for children with autism spectrum disorders.
Both an art and a sport, vaulting is the performance of different movements on the back of a horse. The benefits associated with this novel physical and educational experience include increased self-confidence and improved social and motor skills for children.
Sharon A. Hollander, PsyD works with children with autism spectrum disorders at Children’s Specialized Hospital in Toms River, NJ.
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Therapeutic Riding Centers |
Delaware
Carousel Farm Riding Stable / Carousel Park & Equestrian Center
The Center for Therapeutic &
Southern Delaware T.R.H.R.
SummerWinds Stables New Jersey
Beyond Balance
CHASE: Challenged Horsemen
Compassionate Friends TRC
DREAM Park
Kaleidoscope Therapeutic Riding Program, Inc.
Labrador Hill Farm & Studio
Riding High Farm
Shadow Equestrian |
Pennsylvania
All Riders Up
Epona Unlimited
Flying High Equestrian Therapy, Inc.
Golden Pony Ranch, Inc.
Heaven's Gate Farm, LLC
Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Pegasus Riding Academy
Quest Therapeutic Services, Inc.
Rainbow Ridge Farm
Sebastian Riding Associates
Special Equestrians, Inc.
Thorncroft Therapeutic Horsebackriding, Inc.
Worcester Stables at Our Farm |
All Riders Up, a 501c3 non-profit in Garnet Valley PA is pleased to offer Therapeutic Horseback Riding to area individuals (children and adults) who have special needs. We are a small program located close to home in a residential neighborhood. Our emphasis is on giving each student individualized attention and lesson planning.
We have numerous horses, ponies, and donkeys with whom your child can interact. We are a PATH Intl.(Formerly NARHA)Member Center and our riding instructors are PATH(NARHA) certified. The program founders Art and Marcy Laver are a physician and RN, MSN respectively. Visit our website: www.allridersup.org to learn more.
We believe that some children and adults (particularly those with behavioral, psychological, speech and learning difficulties) appreciate our quiet, laid back, no pressure atmosphere in which they can connect with a horse and have fun. The child's enjoyment of the company of an equine, in an environment of total acceptance and absolute safety is our primary goal. We join with other area centers offering Therapeutic Riding in the hope that you will check it out and see for yourself how many benefits can be derived by being in the company of a horse or pony. Having fun in this way can improve the likelihood of attaining many of life's goals without the stigma of "going to therapy." Siblings are invited to participate at ARU, because they have special needs themselves in maintaining family unity. They are being asked for an extra amount of understanding when their sibling seems to be given special attention and added family time. The more things they can share with their sibling, the better able they are to withstand negative comments from peers and bullying about their family. Having fun together, doing something many of their able-bodied friends haven't learned to do makes the family “special” in a uniquely empowering way.