Therapeutic Riding Programs
Disabilities / Children Who are Terminally Ill / Horses for Heroes ::: While teaching riding, the principal goal of our programs is therapy. We currently have 4 therapy ponies and horses in our program. They have been carefully selected based on their gentleness, level of training, and an ongoing display of love of their work.
SpiritHorse Lesson Curriculum ::: With the assistance of their instructor, most lessons start with the rider leading their pony, or horse, from the pasture gate to the barn. Our horses and ponies can be led from wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. Riders as young as two-years-old with disabilities lead their ponies independently. If the children are in their parents arms, we place the lead rope in their hands and they lead their pony. We encourage all to participate.
All riders assist with grooming (i.e. brushing) to the ability they have and can develop. They carry their own saddle or blanket or girth, depending upon their ability at that time, and help saddle their pony or horse. We have found that this participation becomes a very important part of the lesson to our riders. Those with cognitive disabilities learn sequencing, two step task execution, following instructions, and work-reward. They also develop a stronger bond with their pony or horse. This develops empathy which is extremely important with our riders diagnosed with autism. The horses and ponies learn to love the children, which is evident in their gentleness. Many of our riders look forward to this element as much as they do their riding lesson. The leading, grooming, and saddling portion of the lesson usually lasts approximately 15 minutes.
Riders lead their horse to the mounting ramp and the instructor leads the pony into the ramp. At least one parent is required to be a sidewalker for their child. We require this because we believe parents are the world's expert on their child. They assist the rider up the ramp, where over time we work to have the rider become self-sufficient in mounting. This provides a greater sense of control and pride in being able to do most of the mount on their own. According to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Study, the incorporation of the parent in the lesson is the main ingredient for the transfer of the intervention at SpiritHorse to the home environment.
The ridden portion of the lesson starts with a trail ride, lead by the instructor and protected by one or two sidewalkers, depending upon the riders needs. As the lesson progresses and the rider begins developing balance, we provide exercises and riding development in a very small ring called a round pen, in which the pony or horse is controlled by the instructor using a rope called a lunge line. Over time when the rider develops sufficient balance, we begin to have the sidewalker step aside in the round pen so that the rider will develop stronger balance, and with this development, safe riding skills.
With safety being paramount, we use methods and steps designed to develop the rider's balance and horsemanship skills. It is our goal to eventually have each of our riders to be independent, under controlled conditions.
The ridden portion of the lesson is designed to last 30 minutes, with shorter times for our smallest and beginning riders, and longer times for our more advanced riders. Following the ridden portion, the rider leads the horse or pony to the barn and assists in unsaddling, grooming, rewarding the pony with a carrot (this is a favorite part) and putting away the pony.
If you are interested in this program, or any of our programs, please contact us.
SpiritHorse Lesson Curriculum ::: With the assistance of their instructor, most lessons start with the rider leading their pony, or horse, from the pasture gate to the barn. Our horses and ponies can be led from wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. Riders as young as two-years-old with disabilities lead their ponies independently. If the children are in their parents arms, we place the lead rope in their hands and they lead their pony. We encourage all to participate.
All riders assist with grooming (i.e. brushing) to the ability they have and can develop. They carry their own saddle or blanket or girth, depending upon their ability at that time, and help saddle their pony or horse. We have found that this participation becomes a very important part of the lesson to our riders. Those with cognitive disabilities learn sequencing, two step task execution, following instructions, and work-reward. They also develop a stronger bond with their pony or horse. This develops empathy which is extremely important with our riders diagnosed with autism. The horses and ponies learn to love the children, which is evident in their gentleness. Many of our riders look forward to this element as much as they do their riding lesson. The leading, grooming, and saddling portion of the lesson usually lasts approximately 15 minutes.
Riders lead their horse to the mounting ramp and the instructor leads the pony into the ramp. At least one parent is required to be a sidewalker for their child. We require this because we believe parents are the world's expert on their child. They assist the rider up the ramp, where over time we work to have the rider become self-sufficient in mounting. This provides a greater sense of control and pride in being able to do most of the mount on their own. According to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Study, the incorporation of the parent in the lesson is the main ingredient for the transfer of the intervention at SpiritHorse to the home environment.
The ridden portion of the lesson starts with a trail ride, lead by the instructor and protected by one or two sidewalkers, depending upon the riders needs. As the lesson progresses and the rider begins developing balance, we provide exercises and riding development in a very small ring called a round pen, in which the pony or horse is controlled by the instructor using a rope called a lunge line. Over time when the rider develops sufficient balance, we begin to have the sidewalker step aside in the round pen so that the rider will develop stronger balance, and with this development, safe riding skills.
With safety being paramount, we use methods and steps designed to develop the rider's balance and horsemanship skills. It is our goal to eventually have each of our riders to be independent, under controlled conditions.
The ridden portion of the lesson is designed to last 30 minutes, with shorter times for our smallest and beginning riders, and longer times for our more advanced riders. Following the ridden portion, the rider leads the horse or pony to the barn and assists in unsaddling, grooming, rewarding the pony with a carrot (this is a favorite part) and putting away the pony.
If you are interested in this program, or any of our programs, please contact us.
Victims of Abuse / Battered Women Program ::: COMING SOON!!
SpiritHorse Connections provides individual therapeutic horseback riding lessons together with one-on-one mentors to children who are victims of abuse and battered women, which will promote internal healing, trust, and mental health.
We are utilizing riding and horse care activities to impact this problem because these activities and the resulting relationships established between horse and rider have been shown to provide an effective form of therapy. Horses are one of the kindest of all animals, especially those chosen by SpiritHorse. The combination of their size and gentleness is especially helpful in teaching people that it is possible to be both strong and kind without sacrificing one for the other. We believe that this experience has helped so many individuals break the chain of abuse that travels from generation to generation. The relationship developed between rider and horse builds trust, is an emotional outlet and a source for affection and love that is needed so much by these victims. This will be instrumental in restoring mental health to a level that will allow them to re-enter the community with self confidence.
The rider's development of the English riding discipline will be a source of pride that can be shared with the victim's family and friends. In addition, an increased sensitivity and awareness in the victim will create improved coping skills with animals and people.
The victims have a role model in the mentors who are their instructors and also the mentor from the community selected for them. The saying: "The outside of the horse is good for the inside of man" is never truer than with these children who are in great need of healing.
Activities are monitored and daily progress recorded by the SpiritHorse staff. Monthly meetings are held between mentors and staff to evaluate client progress with program and individual lesson plan adjustments made as necessary to meet group and individual goals.
If you are interested in this, or any of our programs, please contact us.
SpiritHorse Connections provides individual therapeutic horseback riding lessons together with one-on-one mentors to children who are victims of abuse and battered women, which will promote internal healing, trust, and mental health.
We are utilizing riding and horse care activities to impact this problem because these activities and the resulting relationships established between horse and rider have been shown to provide an effective form of therapy. Horses are one of the kindest of all animals, especially those chosen by SpiritHorse. The combination of their size and gentleness is especially helpful in teaching people that it is possible to be both strong and kind without sacrificing one for the other. We believe that this experience has helped so many individuals break the chain of abuse that travels from generation to generation. The relationship developed between rider and horse builds trust, is an emotional outlet and a source for affection and love that is needed so much by these victims. This will be instrumental in restoring mental health to a level that will allow them to re-enter the community with self confidence.
The rider's development of the English riding discipline will be a source of pride that can be shared with the victim's family and friends. In addition, an increased sensitivity and awareness in the victim will create improved coping skills with animals and people.
The victims have a role model in the mentors who are their instructors and also the mentor from the community selected for them. The saying: "The outside of the horse is good for the inside of man" is never truer than with these children who are in great need of healing.
Activities are monitored and daily progress recorded by the SpiritHorse staff. Monthly meetings are held between mentors and staff to evaluate client progress with program and individual lesson plan adjustments made as necessary to meet group and individual goals.
If you are interested in this, or any of our programs, please contact us.
At Risk Youth Program ::: COMING SOON!!
Our At-Risk-Youth and Youth After Drug Rehab programs consist of weekly barn management and horseback riding lessons for youth in alternative education programs that include one hour of the school day as an incentive. The program can also be made available outside of school hours. At-risk-youth must provide community service for one hour each week to earn their weekly lessons. Through these activities they learn to embrace the work/reward ethic. Horses and the ranch atmosphere greatly incentivize the youth. Horses accept them on a non-judgmental basis. They teach them to be open, trusting, cooperative, and appreciative.
What is required to participate in this program?
Program participants must meet behavioral and academic application objectives set by their school's alternative education program each week in order to participate if they will be participating during school hours. Additionally, they must provide one hour of community service at SpiritHorse Connections Therapeutic Riding Center. This work includes cleaning stalls and equipment, grooming horses, assisting in medication and horse hygiene activities, assisting in horse shoeing and trimming, and grounds maintenance. The youth then receives a riding lesson. They also receive classroom training in horse anatomy, hygiene, feeding and care.
Are mentors involved?
Yes. The mentors receive training in safety, CPR, horse handling and grooming, behavior modification, listening skills, and farm work. The mentors who work alongside SpiritHorse instructors help youth to build competence, confidence, and improve communications and learning skills.
Why teach these youth horsemanship skills?
This program benefits the community by helping reduce juvenile crime, causing at-risk-youth to become productive members of society, providing a resource for workers in the horse industry, and increase community awareness of measures available to reduce juvenile crime.
SpiritHorse is available as a diversion program that is more private than many of the present programs and will not have the negative impact on the offender's self esteem inherent in programs such as public works. Participants can take pride in their support of therapeutic riding and will not be identified as community service workers, but will work on an equal and transparent footing with other SpiritHorse volunteers.
The program provides an activity for the youth that is usually available only to the upper-middle class. This gives them status and glimpses of a life that can be available to them with hard work and sacrifice. The relationship with their mentors creates an atmosphere for counseling by both example and word. Family days can be scheduled at a time when their parents are not at work, which will allow the youth to demonstrate their skills to their families, fostering family pride and unity. The program is patterned after At-Risk-Youth programs that have been successfully administered in therapeutic riding centers across the country.
If you are interested in this, or any of our programs, please contact us.
Our At-Risk-Youth and Youth After Drug Rehab programs consist of weekly barn management and horseback riding lessons for youth in alternative education programs that include one hour of the school day as an incentive. The program can also be made available outside of school hours. At-risk-youth must provide community service for one hour each week to earn their weekly lessons. Through these activities they learn to embrace the work/reward ethic. Horses and the ranch atmosphere greatly incentivize the youth. Horses accept them on a non-judgmental basis. They teach them to be open, trusting, cooperative, and appreciative.
What is required to participate in this program?
Program participants must meet behavioral and academic application objectives set by their school's alternative education program each week in order to participate if they will be participating during school hours. Additionally, they must provide one hour of community service at SpiritHorse Connections Therapeutic Riding Center. This work includes cleaning stalls and equipment, grooming horses, assisting in medication and horse hygiene activities, assisting in horse shoeing and trimming, and grounds maintenance. The youth then receives a riding lesson. They also receive classroom training in horse anatomy, hygiene, feeding and care.
Are mentors involved?
Yes. The mentors receive training in safety, CPR, horse handling and grooming, behavior modification, listening skills, and farm work. The mentors who work alongside SpiritHorse instructors help youth to build competence, confidence, and improve communications and learning skills.
Why teach these youth horsemanship skills?
This program benefits the community by helping reduce juvenile crime, causing at-risk-youth to become productive members of society, providing a resource for workers in the horse industry, and increase community awareness of measures available to reduce juvenile crime.
SpiritHorse is available as a diversion program that is more private than many of the present programs and will not have the negative impact on the offender's self esteem inherent in programs such as public works. Participants can take pride in their support of therapeutic riding and will not be identified as community service workers, but will work on an equal and transparent footing with other SpiritHorse volunteers.
The program provides an activity for the youth that is usually available only to the upper-middle class. This gives them status and glimpses of a life that can be available to them with hard work and sacrifice. The relationship with their mentors creates an atmosphere for counseling by both example and word. Family days can be scheduled at a time when their parents are not at work, which will allow the youth to demonstrate their skills to their families, fostering family pride and unity. The program is patterned after At-Risk-Youth programs that have been successfully administered in therapeutic riding centers across the country.
If you are interested in this, or any of our programs, please contact us.
Riding Lessons for the General Public
Beginner to advanced riding lessons are available in the English and Western riding disciplines. We have over 30 years of lesson and training experience. Providing riding lessons to the general public is one way we support our therapy programs and horses. You will be learning to ride and supporting individuals in your community!!
If you are interested in this, or any of our programs, please contact us.
If you are interested in this, or any of our programs, please contact us.
Pony Parties and Petting Zoo Pricing
We offer petting zoo and party packages to the general public to keep our therapy sessions at reasonable prices for the families we serve. Our goal is to NEVER have to turn a rider away for the inability to pay for our therapeutic programs.
Petting Zoo ::: Miniature Horse, Miniature donkey, Rabbit(s), Pot Belly Pig, Goat(s), and Chicken(s). $150 for the first hour, and $100 each additional hour.
Pony Party ::: Pony Party starts at $150 for the first hour, and $100 each additional hour for one Horse/Pony. If you would like more Ponies/Horses, add $50/hour for each additional Pony/Horse.
Package Party ::: Petting Zoo with hand guided Pony/Horse ride $250 for the first hour, and $150 for each additional hour. If you should like more Ponies/Horses, add $50/hour for each additional Pony/Horse.
Animal Gram ::: Pick an animal to travel to anyone's home, work... or wherever! Surprise someone special or play a practical joke! We will take 1 animal for 30 Minute sessions to the place of your choice with a stuffed animal that looks like the live "animal gram." Make someone laugh, feel special, or a little girl feel like a princess! We will bring brushes and treats to let this special someone "pamper" the pet while he/she is there. $100 for 30 Minutes plus mileage if location is farther than 15 miles.
For more information or to book a party, please fill out our contact page.
Petting Zoo ::: Miniature Horse, Miniature donkey, Rabbit(s), Pot Belly Pig, Goat(s), and Chicken(s). $150 for the first hour, and $100 each additional hour.
Pony Party ::: Pony Party starts at $150 for the first hour, and $100 each additional hour for one Horse/Pony. If you would like more Ponies/Horses, add $50/hour for each additional Pony/Horse.
Package Party ::: Petting Zoo with hand guided Pony/Horse ride $250 for the first hour, and $150 for each additional hour. If you should like more Ponies/Horses, add $50/hour for each additional Pony/Horse.
Animal Gram ::: Pick an animal to travel to anyone's home, work... or wherever! Surprise someone special or play a practical joke! We will take 1 animal for 30 Minute sessions to the place of your choice with a stuffed animal that looks like the live "animal gram." Make someone laugh, feel special, or a little girl feel like a princess! We will bring brushes and treats to let this special someone "pamper" the pet while he/she is there. $100 for 30 Minutes plus mileage if location is farther than 15 miles.
For more information or to book a party, please fill out our contact page.
We offer packages such as the above, as well as horseback riding lessons, to the general public to keep our therapy sessions at reasonable prices for the families we serve. Our goal is to NEVER have to turn a rider away for the inability to pay for our therapeutic programs.