The Therapeutic Equine Center is a nonprofit integrated facility that offers assisted living residences, employment opportunity and equine therapy (hippotherapy) services to disabled individuals as well as professional boarding, recreational horseback riding and related services to the general public.

The Equine Center is a new business model dersigned to provide better outcomes for individuals with disabilities in their housing, employment, therapeutic and social needs while providing beneficial services for the equine community. The center will focus on providing a residential alternative for individuals with disabilities who desire self determination to the fullest extent of their abilities while delivering desired services to the recreational and equine communities.

The Equine Center will be created as a 501C-3 nonprofit corporation based in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.

Start-up costs come to 4,000,000.00 which includes the cost of the existing  horse stables (600,000.00), purchase of additional ground to be used as pasture adjoining the stable property (250,000.00), purchase of ground across the road (100,000.00), construction of assisted living residence and accessible apartments (1,500,000.00) purchase of farming equipment, horse trailer, feed system and tack (250,000.00) legal, accounting,veterinary, farrier and professional services (150,000.00) stationary, office equipment, signage (30,000.00) inititial feed supply (50,000.00) start-up expenses and staff salary (270,000.00) and operational expenses for the first year.

The Equine Center provides self determined levels of independent living for individuals with disabilities, employment opportunity as a cooperatively managed organization and equine services that include hippotherapy, stabling and care, horse riding lessons, trail riding, and educational programs.

Self determined levels of independent living provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live as independently as they are able or desire to live within a semi-sheltered environment. Options will range from assisted living in a group residential setting to independent living in an accessible apartment. The objective being to provide transition to full independence to those individuals who choose this direction.

Therapeutic riding services will be provided under the supervision of NAHRA certified instructors, physical and occupational therapists and volunteers. Individual riders will have the opportunity to apply for sponsorship and scholarships to defray the cost of therapeutic riding services.

Therapeutic Horseback Riding

 

Horseback riding is a recreational and therapeutic activity enjoyed by individuals of all ages and abilities. As a sport, it provides the rider with the opportunity to master the skills necessary to confidently control and steer the horse through various patterns and obstacles. Horseback riding is also a means to access and explore the great outdoors. For many people, trail riding is becoming a popular recreational activity. For most individuals with disabilities, horseback riding is generally categorized into two types – therapeutic riding and hippotherapy. Although both types of riding benefit the rider, there are several distinct differences.

 

Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic riding involves teaching the rider the necessary skills and techniques required to ride a horse as independently as possible. The emphasis is not only on the physical benefits of riding, but also on the development of the relationship between the rider and the horse. The self-discipline required to understand and control the horse instills a sense of responsibility and enhances task concentration in the rider. The autonomy associated with independently riding a horse also serves to promote the rider’s self-esteem and positive body image.

 

NARHA
North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) is the primary organization that supports and promotes therapeutic riding in the U.S. and Canada. NARHA provides program accreditation to ensure that standards are established and maintained, so that riding centers can provide a safe therapeutic riding environment. NARHA also issues instructor certification in therapeutic riding. Many therapeutic riding centers in the U.S. are accredited and operating center members of NARHA. For more information, contact (NARHA).

 

Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy does not teach specific techniques and skills associated with riding a horse. The primary focus is on developing balance, body awareness and muscle tone in the rider by responding and interacting passively to the horse’s movement. The three-dimensional rhythmical movement of the horse is similar to the human movement patterns of the pelvis while walking. By placing the rider in different positions on the horse, different sets of muscles can be worked upon. The rhythmic and repetitive movement of the horse’s gait induces a constant need for the rider to adjust to the horse’s movement. This natural physiological response elicited in the rider is used by the therapist to improve muscular strength, neuromotor function and sensory processing.

Some Benefits of Horseback Riding

 

Physical Benefits

Improved balance and muscle strength.

Improved coordination, faster reflexes and increased motor planning.

Stretching of tight or spastic muscles.

Decreased spasticity.

Increased range of motion of joints.

Improved respiration and circulation.

Stimulates sensory integration.

Improved visual spatial perception.

Improved eye-hand coordination.

 

Socio-emotional Benefits

Improved self-confidence.

Improved risk-taking abilities.

Development of patience.

Emotional control and self-discipline.

Expansion of locus of control.

Development of respect and care for animals.

 

Equestrian Competitions

Riding as a competitive sport for individuals with disabilities tests the rider’s skills in controlling the regularity of the horse’s paces and maintaining harmony, lightness and ease of its movements. This gives the horse the impression of doing in its own accord what is required of it. Each competitor is classified into different categories consisting of individuals with comparable disability. Riding competitions are held at the local, regional, national and international level. The U.S. Cerebral Palsy Athletic Association (USCPAA) is the recognized national organization for Paralympic-style competition. The Competition Association of NARHA (CAN) also promotes competitive equestrian opportunities.