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2011 Riding Session Volunteers: Nichole Barnes, Claire Bokelman, Austin Durst, Jennifer Durst, Terri Gauby, Matt Keller, Letha Nelson, Rosie Steel, Ashley Stewart,  Sharon Stohs, Traci Turner, Trent Turner, Jolene Woerner, Justin Woerner, and Kevin Woerner

Therapeutic Horsemanship (TH) uses equine assisted activities for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well being of people with disabilities.   Equine activities can include, but are not limited to the care and grooming of a horse, basic or advanced horsemanship skills, and multiple games or learning activities done from the back of a horse.  Several areas can be incorporated into the sessions or just specific areas.

An integrated approach to TH uses the therapeutic benefits of all four areas; however, each can be practiced as a specialty.  Independence Farms currently supports the integrated approach.

Our certified PATH riding instructors consults with health care professionals to help integrate treatment principles of their own professions into the equine activities used during horsemanship sessions to achieve physical, psychological, cognitive, behavioral and communication goals.  Our volunteer professionals currently consist of a Physical Therapist and Special Education Teachers.  Consultations by our staff and professionals are done before and after sessions. 

Our certified PATH riding instructor consults with educational specialists to help incorporate cognitive, behavioral, psychological and physical goals into the riding sessions using the horse as a motivator. Our volunteer Special Education professionals consult with our instructor before, during and after sessions.

Our certified PATH riding instructor designs and implements activities for recreation and competition, allowing individuals to participate in sport activities – adapted as needed – with a horse.

Our certified PATH riding instructors develop activities for individuals as forms of enjoyment and leisure, providing benefits in areas of socialization, posture, mobility and over all improvement of life.  Individuals can participate in an atmosphere of support, structure and socialization for the shear fun of it.

TH is usually conducted from the back of a horse that averages between 14 to 15 hands in height, is between the ages of 8 and 16 years of age, is sound and in good health, with all shots and vaccines being current.  A horse that moves forward easily and freely, picks up their feet and responds easily to voice commands and fits the riders’ needs.  No one type of breed of horse can fill all the possible roles or needs of a rider or a TH program, therefore, the type of breed isn’t critical.  Different breeds offer builds needed for a wide range of disabilities.  Color isn’t important either, but attitude and manners are critical.  The horse must be calm and unexcitable, well mannered, tolerate, shy proof and indifferent, accepting and forgiving, responsive, reliable and adaptable.

TH can be conducted in a variety of group sizes.  They can be small-individualized groups or teams of just the rider and instructor, or they can be larger teams, consisting of rider, lead walker, one or two side walkers and the instructor.  This can be customized to fit the individual riders needs and abilities.

TH uses appropriate equipment based on individual’s needs.  Some being specialized equipment such as helmets, safety stirrups, anti-cast surcingles and mounting ramps, some not, such as ordinary toys and games or Western or English tack.

TH combines instruction in traditional horsemanship skills with concepts of physical activities to improve the strength, balance and self-esteem of children and adults with disabilities.

To an individual with a disability, horseback riding takes them into a new unexplored world, which provides a sense of independence and freedom that defies the disability.  Therapeutic horsemanship challenges riders in ways they have seldom been challenged before…and they love every minute of it!

The smiles on the riders’ faces are a constant reminder of the power of the horse and the special bond that is awaiting all who participate in equine assisted activities. 

The ultimate goal of therapeutic riding is to encourage lifelong leisure activities and to promote physical health and self-esteem, which help further integrate these individuals into the community.  The natural affinity between people and animals is a proven and powerful way of enabling our riders to achieve their full potential.  The unconditional love and friendship of our horses is a great benefit to all.

The term “Therapeutic Horsemanship” has been used for many years to encompass the variety of equine activities in which people with disabilities participate.  But as the industry advances and changes, so do the terms it uses.  There has been considerable work done and great strides made in clarifying terminology used.  Now all involved will have a better understanding of what is being discussed, limiting problems.  Listed below are the current definitions and abbreviations used by the industry. 

Equine assisted activities (EAA) is the umbrella term that is inclusive of the various different programs offered by PATH centers.  Currently included under this term are: 

A note to remember is that Therapeutic Horsemanship should not be labeled as therapy.  Although it is goal oriented and does provide physical, emotional and cognitive benefits, it is not conducted by a licensed healthcare provider and therefore cannot be called therapy or treatment.  Also the full set of guidelines can be obtained from PATH.