"In riding a horse we borrow freedom."
Helen Thomson
Therapeutic Horseback Riding is a
recreational activity that combines physical activity and cognitive
skills while developing a working relationship
with and respect for horses.
At our farm, our number one priority is the safety of the participants in our equine assisted activities.
Horseback riding provides a fun, uplifting and confidence boosting
activity that has been shown to improve coordination, enhance communication
skills, build confidence, and increase independence. If you asked our students, they'd probably tell you that it is simply an
enjoyable experience! Students are encouraged to interact, not only with their horses, but also with the instructor, the volunteers that assist them and their fellow classmates. Being around horses and
horseback riding offers therapeutic properties for all involved!
Equine
assisted activities provide an opportunity for students to grow and achieve in
ways that other sports and social environments do not.
The movement of a horse
simulates the human gait and may improve core strength,
flexibility, balance and physical stability. The constant physical and social
input from the horse encourages the student to be an alert and active
participant. It also offers opportunities for students to experience immediate consequences and rewards;
when the horse responds to the cues given by the student, there is an instantaneous feeling of achievement! Many students experience improvement with patience,
self-esteem and confidence.
There is something about developing a working
relationship with a 1,000 + lb animal, with a mind of its own, that can be rewarding to everyone!
Our facility operates under PATH International standards,
including their identified cautions
and contraindications for potential riders.
We place great priority on fun, and we strive to share our
appreciation for the power of horses to provide a higher
quality of life to all people!
Please email us at VSF@vanandsonsfarm.com if you'd like to get started with your "Student Information Packet".
We hope to hear from you soon!
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One of our incredible students and amazing volunteers!
We are now signing students up for our "pilot" Spring session!
This 10 week/10 lesson session will run from
April 2, 2012 to June 8, 2012.
Special "Pilot Program" Discount Available to students who
sign up by February 28, 2012!
For more information, please call us at 810.853.1950, or
email us at vsf@vanandsonsfarm.com!
We look forward to the opportunity to work with you!
Basic Rider Requirements
- Rider must be at least 4 years of age
- All necessary paperwork must be fully completed
- Ability to participate in a 30 minute lesson
- Must LOVE to ride
- Must weigh no more than 180 lbs
- Must have a diagnosis of an emotional, physical or cognitive diability
Appropriate Riding Attire
- Closed Toed Shoes/Boots with a 1/2 in to 1 in heel
- Long Pants/Jeans
- Shirt with Sleeves (long or short)
- ASTM/SEI Certified Helmet
Inappropriate Farm Attire
- Flip Flops and other open toed shoes are strictly banned from the farm premises due to safety concerns.
- This applies to ALL riders and farm guests.
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Therapeutic Riding
-vs-
Hippotherapy
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Therapeutic Riding
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Hippotherapy |
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Conducted by a PATH International Registered Instructor. The goal is to teach recreational riding skills, adapted to each individual's ability. Learning riding skills, such as proper riding posture, which requires balance and strength, naturally encourages and stimulates students in ways that have therapeutic benefits. Interaction with the horse, other students, volunteers and the instructor provide social experiences for the students. Our focus is on fun, and the motion of the horse and the activities students learn have inherent therapeutic benefits! |
Conducted by a licensed therapist, such as an OT, PT or Speech Therapist. The goal of the lesson is professional treatment of an impairment, in which the horse is a specific therapy tool. Every aspect of the session is approached with a medical goal, and it is prescribed until a client meets discharge criteria.
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