Horse K*I*S*S*E*S

PURPOSE
The purpose of Horse Heaven Stables equine therapy program is to blend my passions for teaching individuals with special needs, my love of horses, and my call to ministry. My desire is for each participant to experience unconditional love and acceptance from God, the horses and me. By integrating the outdoor setting with the horse and the rider, we create a unique and liberating learning experience.

THERAPY
The purpose of therapeutic riding is the positive affects to the “cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of people with disabilities.” (NARHA Instructor Educational Guide, 2002, p. 5). Therapy includes both equine and hippotherapy, as well as other health professions, including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, and Psychology.

Equine activities are also beneficial for increasing social and psychological awareness and improved social skills. Some of these programs include Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA.org) and Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy.

“Hippotherapy is a direct medical treatment. It literally means ‘treatment with the help of a horse’ from the Greek word hippos, meaning horse.” (NARHA Instructor Educational Guide, 2002, p. 6).

EDUCATION
Certified Registered NARHA instructors, special education teachers, specialists, and licensed therapists often provide therapeutic riding to achieve educational goals such as cognitive, emotional, and behavioral goals. Often students with physical, mental, and psychological
impairments show improvement in these domain areas through collaborative team work required in equine therapy. The team designs and implements a program unique for each rider’s specific needs. Research has shown that a horse is a strong motivator for accomplishing educational goals.

NARHA
The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association fosters safe, professional, ethical, and therapeutic equine activities through education, communication, standards, and research for people with and without disabilities. NARHA promotes equine facilitated therapy and activity programs in the United States and Canada. Since 1969, NARHA has ensured that therapeutic riding is both safe for, and accessible to, those in need (NARHA.org).

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS, the name of my riding arena, was inspired by my friend Lynn Sweet (1960-2005). The lyrics by Point of Grace paint a beautiful picture of unconditional love and acceptance. “I spent so many years just trying to fit in, now I’ve found a place in this circle of friends.”