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Hoofbeats
Therapeutic
Riding
What
is Therapeutic Riding?
Therapeutic riding may be divided into three
categories. Centers may offer one or more of these approaches, or an
integration of all three approaches.
- Recreational/Sport (e.g. trail riding, driving,
vaulting, and competition) "
- Educational (emphasis on educational,
behavioral, social, or emotional growth)
- Medical (the use of therapists or psychologists
as an integral part of the program. Hippotherapy is one special
category within this division in which specially trained physical or
occupational therapists direct the riding program. Equine-facilitated
mental health is another category in which psychologists plan and
direct the lessons for specific mental health goals.)
Currently, there are over 700 therapeutic riding
centers serving approximately 35,000 riders with disabilities in North
America. The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA)
was founded in 1969 to serve as an advisory board to the various
"riding for the disabled" groups. NARHA provides safety
guidelines and training, certifies riding instructors, accredits centers
according to a set of established standards, offers low-cost insurance to
member organizations, and disseminates information.
For more information about therapeutic riding,
contact NARHA (800 369-RIDE; www.narha.org)
Hoofbeats Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. provides
recreational and educational therapeutic riding services. Through
horsemanship training and other activities, we at Hoofbeats strive to
improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and the social and
educational skills of our clients. Hoofbeats participants include children
and adults (ranging in age from 4 to 90+ years old) with physical, mental,
emotional, speech, and learning disabilities; people with serious
illnesses, such as fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, hypertension, and
various forms of cancer; and a limited number of individuals who are
able-bodied (primarily siblings of clients and a few volunteers.)
Hoofbeats is an accredited member operating center of the NARHA and is a
member of the Therapeutic Riding Association of Virginia (TRAV). Our
instructor is a NARHA-Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor.
Therapeutic riding sessions are offered by
appointment only. Lessons are designed with each client's specific goals
in mind. Most sessions are scheduled either on an individual basis or in
groups of no more than three riders with similar therapy objectives and
skill levels. Depending on the goals established for the rider, sessions
may include grooming, tacking up, mounted exercises, games, and/or
educational drills. The instructional approach is Balance Seat Equitation.
Individuals wishing to apply to Hoofbeats for
therapeutic riding must fill out Registration and Release forms, including
a physician-signed medical release. Hoofbeats also requires access to
pertinent medical and therapy information. Hoofbeats will provide
perspective students with all necessary forms and other paperwork.
Hoofbeats' participants from previous years need to be aware that release
forms must be renewed annually. Please be assured that Hoofbeats
Therapeutic Riding Center holds all personal information in strict
confidence.
NOTICE:
Please note that horseback riding is contraindicated for some
conditions/individuals, and Hoofbeats reserves the right to deny services
to individuals based upon concerns for the applicant’s safety and/or the
safety of the horses, volunteers, or instructors. |
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