We provide therapeutic riding for individuals with special needs. Sometimes it appears to be a simple recreational activity, other times it is clearly the opportunity to teach riding skills. We see clients with minimal issues as well as individuals with multiple and severe disabilities. We accommodate individuals as well as groups. We select horses with calm temperaments to accommodate these activities. The riding arena is equipped with skill areas as well as games and activities. We plan our sessions according to each individual rider’s goals, incorporating activities to challenge them physically and mentally.
Benefits of Therapeutic Riding
•Physical skills: strength, coordination, balance, joint mobility, flexibility, gross and fine motor skills
•Cognitive functioning: memory, cause and effect, sensory issues
•Emotional well-being: self-esteem, confidence
•Social skills: sharing, following directions, social cues, patience, communication skills
•Education knowledge: vocabulary, sequencing, colors, shapes and numbers
Current Program
The At Risk Youth Program
The At Risk Youth Program involves collaboration with two community organizations working with at risk youth. The Sheriff’s department has funded the Gang Task Force “Elements” Program to work with us. The Gang Task Force Program has received funding for this program through the Governor’s Crime Commission and now funds it directly out of their yearly budget. We have been working with this partnership for 7 years and have seen tremendous progress from these troubled youth. They assist with lessons, complete projects around the barn and learn to ride. Many of the results indicate an increase in confidence and self-worth from just one exposure to our program. We are also partners with New Hanover County Youth Empowerment Services Community Service and Restitution. These teens also work at the barn, assist with lessons and learn to help individuals with special needs. Typically, these children come to the barn on Saturdays and work toward completing their court ordered community service.
Student Mentor Program
The Student Mentor Program provides internships for local high school and college students, accommodating UNCW students for internships from Psychology, Recreation Therapy, Special Education, Nursing, and Social Work and undergraduates from Cape Fear Community College for their Service Learning component. Every year we mentor students from the local high schools completing their senior projects and every spring we host children from Cape Fear Academy for their 8th grade service project. These mentoring programs give valuable work experience to the students and teach them about the value of giving back.
Recreational Riding
We offer recreational riding for any individual interested in learning to ride and care for horses. Often these are family members of our therapy riders or volunteers who want to learn more. Please contact Sarah Quinlan at 910-264-1492 to schedule your riding!
Veterans Programming
We currently offer our veterans programs through SOAR and Access Wilmington. Please contact us for more information on how to enroll.
Special Olympics
We currently offer Special Olympics through New Hanover County and Brunswick County. Enrollment for this program is handled through the respective county Special Olympics coordinator.
Next Phase
Hippotherapy is the provision of Occupational, Physical or Speech Therapy utilizing the horse as a treatment modality. Many therapeutic goals that might otherwise be unreachable in the clinic setting can be accomplished on a horse. The uniqueness of the environment and the use of a living animal helps kids stay motivated. The motion of the horse provides a rhythmical and predictable motion that helps children with all special needs, but particularly sensory motor disabilities.
Therapeutic Driving provides carriage driving for individuals who may not be able to sit astride a horse. Here they can learn the skills to properly hitch and drive a carriage. We will be adding this component when we can secure funding for the extra training for our staff.
Horses for Heroes would provide Equine Assisted Therapies for returning service personnel. This would include Therapeutic Riding as well as Equine Assisted Mental Health models. Many of our veterans are experiencing psychological conditions as well as physical recovery issues that can be remedied by these therapies.
Equine Facilitated Mental Health provides counseling methods utilizing horses as a part of the treatment team. This is an amazing approach that incorporates the mystery of horse and human relationships, as well as the beauty of herd dynamics as a leadership learning tool.
Interactive Vaulting provides a great group activity revolving around vaulting on horseback. This is a combination of simple gymnastics moves in tandem with the movement of the horse.