ALL LESSONS AND WAITING LISTS ARE CURRENTLY AT CAPACITY AND ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO BEING FULL
Due to high lesson demands and very committed participants, ALL lessons are currently full. We would still love to talk with you about our lesson program and give you information for future possibilities.
If you would like to be put on our waiting list, please check back, THIS IS ONLY TEMPORARY. All waiting lists are currently at capacity. Depending on availability, the wait time could be short, or it could be months before there is an opening. We cannot guarantee what the wait time will be.
We apologize for the inconvenience of a full schedule; however, we seek to provide quality and personalized lessons for all our participants!
THERAPEUTIC/ADAPTIVE HORSEMANSHIP
Disability does not have to limit someone from riding or caring for horses.
Throughout the world, thousands of individuals with disabilities experience the rewarding benefits of horsemanship. A disability does not have to limit a person from riding horses, therapeutic driving, interactive vaulting or even competition.
Benefits
Experiencing the motion of a horse can be very therapeutic. Because horseback riding rhythmically moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength. In addition to the therapeutic benefits, horseback riding also provides recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors. Therapeutic/adaptive horsemanship contributes to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with disabilities.
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Flexibility
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Balance
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Muscle strength
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Improved coordination
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Recreational opportunities
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Self-esteem
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Confidence
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FUN!
M.A.R.E. is a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (Path Intl.) and we follow PATH Intl. Standards that exist to provide consistent safety provisions for participants, highly-regarded facility and program management processes and humane treatment for working with equines. The following definitions will help you have a clear understanding of the different types of equine-assisted services and what they entail. Meeting with the professionals at your local center is imperative to learn what services are offered there, and they will help determine what service best suits the individual needs of you or your participant.
EQUINE-ASSISTED LEARNING This area is a non-therapy service comprised of equine-assisted learning (EAL) in education, in organizations and in personal development. Specially trained or certified professionals leverage experiential learning activities involving interactive mounted and/or unmounted activities with horses and the equine environment to benefit participants. A center might offer any of the following:
• Equine-assisted Learning in Education: Professionals with a knowledge of learning theory and teaching methodology focus on life skills, including leadership, character-building and academic skills. They may develop contracts with schools and integrate specific educational strategies, academic standards and character education within their curricula and provision of services.
• Equine-assisted Learning in Organizations: Professionals assist members of corporations, organizations and other work groups in building effective teams and leaders that enhance work dynamics and performance. They must have knowledge of organizational theory, team building, strategic planning or leadership development and may integrate a variety of coaching and teambuilding strategies.
• Equine-assisted Learning in Personal Development: Professionals assist individuals and groups in handling life challenges and opportunities by developing skills in effective problem-solving, decision-making and communication. Service providers must have extensive training or certifications in facilitation, coaching or teaching and knowledge of the distinct differences between personal development and psychotherapy
Stable Skills
Stable Skills provides 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.
PATH Intl. Member Centers provide:
Therapeutic/Adaptive Horsemanship
Related to the broad area of horsemanship, equine professionals may offer four distinct non-therapy services that are adapted from traditional equine disciplines of horseback riding, driving, and vaulting. These include adaptive equestrian sport, adaptive riding or therapeutic riding, driving and interactive vaulting.
Equine-Assisted Learning
Related to the broad area of learning, specially trained or certified professionals may incorporate horses in three distinct non-therapy services: equine-assisted learning in education, equine-assisted learning in organizations and equine-assisted learning in personal development.
Therapies Incorporating Equines
Related to the broad area of therapy, licensed therapy professionals may incorporate horses in five distinct therapies: counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychotherapy and speech-language pathology.
Equine-Assisted Services for Veterans
PATH International Equine Services for Heroes® assists military personnel and veterans through services provided by PATH International members and by providing leadership and guidance for equine-assisted services. Veterans of any age, branch, war or area of conflict can benefit from the program.