Executive Director of Special Strides Therapeutic Riding Center

Physical Therapist Physical Therapy Clinical Instructor Treasurer, American Hippotherapy

Association President, HRH of NJ

130 clients-70 % receive therapy services/30% riding instruction

6 Therapists (PT and OT) 4 Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding Instructors 1 Therapeutic Driving Instructor 2 holding certification in EFL 2 holding certification as Equine Specialists

Equine Assisted

Activities & Therapy

Recreational Program

Riding, Driving, Vaulting

Therapy ProgramEquine movement &

related activities

When we look at the definitions and goals the decision is very clear.

Definitions-who is moving whom?

Goals of the horse and human relationship

Recreational and educational model where the goals are on the horse or ground but always directly related to equine skills and horsemanship.

Addresses clinical impairments that lead to a specific evidence based plan of care

Movement of the horse facilitates the achievement of very specific goals meaningful to each client to change function.

Therapy Riding

Riding Therapy

What are the goals--- Let the goals of the client, parent or prescribing MD lead the way.

Therapy goals-◦ Change in the neurophysiologic status of the

nervous system◦ Change in the musculoskeletal system function◦ Overall change in the functional status for

activities of daily living

Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding:A program based on equine skill acquisition as well as social/emotional gains of a recreational activity individually or in large/small groups.

Recreational Goals-◦ Provide a recreational or sport activity for an

individual with special needs that requires adaptation in either equipment or instruction.

When the therapy goals of the individual have been met and they desire to continue to ride a horse to further their recreational goals

When they are ready to direct the movement of the horse and develop horsemanship skills

When the functional status of a current recreational rider has changed and they no longer meet the precautions/contraindications of a riding program.

◦ Decline in medical status◦ Incidence of seizures◦ Change in skeletal configuration—progression of

scoliosis

Both types of programming at the same center-integrated model

Develop a relationship with other disciplines to support this transition

Use your state organization to locate riding instructors or therapists if you cannot find them on your own

Provide a safe environment where individuals of all abilities can perform to their greatest potential.