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Therapeutic
Horseback
Riding
Program |
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Therapeutic Horseback Riding is recognized
as one of the more progressive and successful forms of therapy for children.
Riding positively affects the cognitive, physical, emotional and social
well being of individuals with disabilities. The ability to control a horse
as well as one’s own body inspires self-confidence, responsibility
and teamwork. Riders form a positive relationship with the horse and improve
their coordination, balance, self-esteem and physical strength, gaining
a sense of fulfillment. Best of all, it is fun. |
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Children are given the utmost attention
while on the horse. An instructor, and up to three helpers
work with each child as they ride. Lessons are 45 minutes and include grooming,
riding and therapeutic activities. While mounted on a horse, a child masters
obstacle courses, plays games, exercises and executes maneuvers to music,
resulting in a true feeling of accomplishment. Riding in small groups encourages
the students to communicate and reinforces work on their behavioral and
socialization skills. Some children have been known to utter their first
word on a horse. |
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Handi Kids has an outdoor Riding Ring and
an indoor, 80’ x 160’ Riding Arena which includes eleven stalls,
grooming areas, a mounting/dismounting area, tack room, wash bay, a classroom,
tool and grain rooms and offices. Parents can watch a lesson from our centrally
located viewing room at the riding arena. Handi Kids schedules eight or twelve week
riding sessions in the spring and fall, along with six-week sessions in
the summer and winter. |
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We generally have between ten and fifteen
horses at Handi Kids. Therapeutic Horseback Riding requires a range of
horses to accommodate the varying weight, size and needs of the different
riders. Our horses are carefully screened for temperament and movement
to insure the children’s safety, and to maximize results from the
rider’s experience. |
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"Handi Kids gave her a sense of
positive
self-esteem that really
shaped her progress --
Thank you so much." |
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Our facility is accredited by NARHA (North
American Riding for the Handicapped) and our instructors are all NARHA
certified. |
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