Adaptive Riding Program
The Adaptive Riding Program focuses on mastering basic horsemanship and equestrian skills. Classes are taught by P.A.T.H. Intl. Certified Therapeutic Instructors, who specialize in teaching riding to individuals with disabilities. Students are therapeutically impacted through the multi-dimensional sensory experiences that are unique to horses, riding horses and a barn environment. There are behavioral, physical and educational components incorporated into the lessons.
Students participating in the Adaptive Sport Riding Program strive to become independent riders, as their individual abilities allow.
Equine-Assisted Therapy Program
The Equine-Assisted Therapy program is directed by a licensed health professional, such as a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, or Speech Pathologist. The therapists have special training and are registered through the American Hippotherapy Association (A.H.A.).
During an equine-assisted therapy session, the horse’s movement and gait are used to influence the mounted rider’s body. The main objective is to exercise or stimulate the deep postural muscles of the truck to enhance each person’s ability for purposeful movement of their extremities.
Abnormal movement patterns can be positively affected by the rhythmic movement of the horse. Muscle tone and stimulation can be positively impacted through graded and varied movements. As in Adaptive Sport Riding, there are unlimited opportunities for a riding therapy lesson to affect all the senses and systems of the body.
Stable Skills
Currently, a collaborative program between The Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic and M.A.R.E., Stable Skillsprovides a unique approach to addressing mental health issues facing at-risk youth. The Stable Skills program presents positive character traits such as respect, courage and leadership each session through interactions with the horse. Discussions on trust, choices, body language, self-awareness, commitment, group dynamics, and attitude are all relative when working with horses. Stable Skills participants complete the program with a sense of accomplishment and a new sense of awareness about how to relate and react to the world.
