What happens during a therapeutic riding lesson?
We provide horseback riding activities for children and adults three and older with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. Our student base comes from Guilford and Forsyth counties and is derived primarily from the following:
Schools - McIver, Joyner, Brooks Global, Archdale/Trinity School, Washington Elementary, High Point Central High School, Johnson Street Elementary
Groups - The Autism Society, Youth Focus, One Step Further, Life Span-Greensboro, Life Span - High Point
Individuals - Referrals through Guilford county mental health, therapists, counselors or families wishing to provide therapeutic riding benefits for individuals with disabilities
We work with students that have a variety of disabilities ranging from autism, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and brain injuries as well as emotional and learning disabilities.
What happens during a therapeutic riding lesson?
All
riders benefit from the physical aspects of horseback riding. Physically,
the walking motion of the horse mimics that of the human gait, forcing
the trunk to move in the same fashion. This motion exercises and
strengthens the trunk, neck 
and
leg muscles and also produces a calming effect on the rider. With
individuals that have mental or emotional disorders we are able
to use the horse as a modality to work on special needs and therapy.
A physical therapist may be consulted and offer "hands on" assistance
in positioning and recommending activities for riders. Riders may
play games on horseback, perform gymnastic movements on the back of a
horse, learn dressage, or go for a trail ride. These activities
are geared to improve and support the individual goals of the riders,
their families and therapists.
HORSEPOWER has ten Registered Instructors certified by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA.) All have attended NARHA Approved Instructor Training Courses which include topics such as human behavior, psychology, anatomy, disability instruction, facilities and equipment, tack and special equipment, the therapy horse, lesson plans, mounting, dismounting, volunteer management, teaching techniques and administration.
Instructors work closely with the parents, caregivers and therapists to set goals for the students on an individual basis. These goals range from increasing balance, self-esteem, self worth, and social interaction to physical therapy, speech therapy and recreation.
Classes are small and have no more than three students mounted at a time. Once goals are determined for the riders, the classes are grouped according to age and individual abilities.
Classes are held Monday through Saturday. Each session is 6 weeks and students ride once per week for 40 minutes. Depending on the student, we may not ride the entire time.
The current class schedule is available here.
On
average, it costs approximately $1,000 per student to attend a 6 week
session, however, because of financial donations, grants and community
support, HORSEPOWER is able to provide therapeutic riding sessions
for over 100 students with disabilities for $250 per rider.
Thanks to the support from our community, we are able to provide additional
reduced fees with our scholarship program. Currently 95% or our students
take advantage of this program.
For
more information please contact Kristen Casey-Lewis at 336-931-1424 or
e-mail at kristen@horsepower.org
Our primary objective with all students is to provide a safe, productive experience which includes the wish to "do no harm." We assess the student's participation with a "Risk/Benefit" analysis meaning we must answer one very important question..."Will the benefit of the therapeutic riding activity outweigh the risk?" The entire therapeutic team - student, parent/guardian, riding instructor, therapist(s), educator and physician - must be able to answer with consensus and all must be comfortable with the decision to ride or not to ride. Because therapeutic riding involves movement, we also must ensure that the riding will not cause a decrease in the student's function, an increase in pain or generally aggravate the medical condition.
Initially, we ask that all prospective students come out and meet with the HORSEPOWER staff. At this time, we discuss goals, registrations essentials, and tour the facility. You can do this by contacting Kristen Casey-Lewis at 336-931-1424 or e-mail at kristen@horsepower.org
