BENEFITS OF EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY (EAT)
The movement of a horse, side to side, forward and backwards, is a movement similar to the steps of a human when walking.
This gentle stimulation relaxes tight muscles and increases the range of motion for riders. This motion also encourages the rider to work on strengthening their balance and challenges them to work harder in complete safety and fun. This sense of accomplishment, no matter how slight, is the confidence builder that develops growth and self-assurance.
Social: Allows interaction with others of like limitations, and helps form new friendships with staff, volunteer teams and of course, the horse.
Emotional: Grooming, bathing, tacking and nurturing the needs of a large 1200 pound animal safely and with love focuses the student outward.
Physical: Decreased spasticity, strengthening of the respiratory system, stretching, posture, speech, hand to eye coordination, muscle tone, sensory touch and balance are improved through exercises, games and various teaching objects.
Directional: Students learn to respond to right, left, down, forward, stop, walk and back through various activities, improving a sense of direction and concentration.
Visual: Identify equipment, symbols, objects, and associate a name with a horse.
Cognitive: The student responsiveness to teaching directives, in the class, reasoning through turns and obstacles, helps them deal with behavioral reactions in their world.
Relaxation: HAVING FUN!!
Equine Therapy is one of the fastest-growing options in the therapy of autism and pediatric cancer.
Why choose to work with a horse to help facilitate your recovery?
The presence of a horse brings comfort and positive energy and help the student to conquer whatever the day brings.
Emotional healing is an ongoing process no matter what stage of diagnosis, treatment, or recovery you are in.
Horses may be large in stature and equally as big in heart. They are sensitive, honest and very perceptive to human emotions.
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” Winston Churchill.
Cancer Patient Classes-
Taught by Jackie Sourini, NARHA Certified Instructor and 2 time cancer survivor!
Hug
Groom
Ride
Sponsor
HEALING WITH HORSES
Therapeutic Horse Lessons
Lessons for non-riders:
A major emphasis is placed on time for each student to bond with their horse or pony. Students will first learn to move safely around a horse and then they will learn to lead a horse and be taught ground exercises that are fun for the horse and student.
Lots of time will be spent grooming and petting. Students can talk privately to their horse about hopes and dreams and receive strength and wordless comfort.
Lessons for riders:
In addition to the skills learned by non-riders, this next step includes learning how to get on and off a horse safely, how to start and stop a horse and go in the direction you want at a comfortable pace. Every student is assigned a horse leader and aids to walk alongside the horse to ensure rider safety.
The Instructor will determine the students skill level and place them accordingly. Our instructors will create a lesson plan geared to improving skills and having fun.
No previous riding experience necessary.
We are pleased to offer this therapeutic horse program to watch the difference it will make in our student’s lives!
SPONSOR A HORSE TODAY in honor of a loved one who has or is dealing with cancer. Your sponsorship dollars will help to ensure that we can offer this beautiful healing program.
