Equine Assisted Activities Program Emerald Hollow Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc.

Record last updated 2020/10/21 Comment on this info .Update this info

Narrative

Therapeutic Riding: The therapeutic qualities of horseback riding are numerous and recognized as beneficial by many medical professionals. A horse’s gait, which is similar to human walking patterns, provides neuromuscular and sensory input through movement for the rider. Taught by a certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and assisted by trained volunteers the focus of each lesson is the development and progression of the student’s physical, cognitive, emotional and social skills. The benefits of therapeutic riding can include improvements in the following areas:
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• Balance
• Muscle strength
• Physical endurance
• Range of motion
• Circulation
• Respiration
• Sensorimotor integration
• Help to activate weak brain areas
• Confidence
• Motivation
• Human Animal bonding skills
• Social skills
• Responsiveness and adaptability
• Flexibility

Equine Assisted Learning: EAL is an experiential learning approach which promotes the development of life skills related to academic achievement, classroom behavior, personal growth, and team building. EAL integrates equine-human interaction guided by a planned learning experience to meet the identified goals or desires of the participant(s). Working with horses provides opportunities to teach critical life skills such as trust, respect, honesty and communication. Horses use mostly non-vocal communication and are in-tune with human behavior, and require people to be aware of their surroundings at all times. This can help participants to better understand and learn how non-verbal communication impacts and influences others. Through interactions with horses participants develop heightened self-awareness and have the opportunity to behave and think in new ways, increase self-confidence, and learn how to engage with such large and powerful creatures. Horses provide a way to see our internal landscape and modes of operation. They offer us the opportunity to experience humility and compassion and support self-growth and self-awareness.
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Veterans: The Equus Effect, developed by Jane Strong and David Sonatore, is an experiential learning and coaching program designed to teach through physical experience. Clients are give the opportunity to hone relationship skills, enhance self-awareness, and build emotional and mental resilience using simple exercises and activities in partnership with the horse. The Equus Effect is unique in its emphasis on rebuilding healthy relationships in order to facilitate personal and professional growth and healing.

Service Types

• Horseback Riding

Populations Served

• Autism Spectrum
• Cerebral Palsy
• Developmental Disability
• Eating Disorders
• Genetic Disorders
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Learning Disabilities
• Mental Illness
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Speech Impairment

Ages Served

• 3 - 4
• 5 - 8
• 9 - 13
• 14 - 18
• 19 - 22
• 23 – 59
• 60 +

Additional Information

• Fees: Personal Funds