FAQS
WHAT IS THERAPEUTIC HORSEBACK RIDING?
The Hand, Hoof and Heart therapeutic riding program is designed to teach our students about horsemanship and the sport of riding while implementing lesson plans that support them towards improvement of their physical, social and emotional well-being. This specific program was created to support rider goals that they are working on in outside therapies, as well as personal goals they have created within the barn.
DO YOU OFFER HIPPOTHERAPY?
No. While our instructors are certified through PATH International, we do not have licensed therapists offering hippotherapy. Our program is purely recreational with therapeutic benefits.
DO YOU OFFER LESSONS TO THOSE WITHOUT SPECIAL NEEDS?
Yes! Our program does offer riding lessons to students that do not have a specific diagnosis. However, our program in it's entirety is based around providing the support and the tools that our students need to navigate struggles in life like anxiety, depression or low self-esteem. Students in our program are given the ability to create their own journey towards horsemanship and riding.
HOW ARE THE LESSONS CONDUCTED?
All of our lessons are private, one hour long sessions. Each student is matched with their instructor based on their experience, abilities and needs. Depending on the student, we utilize a team of 1 to 3 volunteers that will work with that student each time they ride. All students are given instruction on grooming, tacking and riding during each lesson.
DO YOU ACCEPT STATE WAIVERS OR INSURANCE?
We are able to bill to waivers including the NOW/COMP waiver. We have also worked with Highland Rivers and Easter Seals. Unfortunately, we are NOT able to bill directly through insurance.
WHAT IS THE AGE RANGE YOU WORK WITH?
We start our therapeutic riders as young as three years old for our therapeutic program and start as young as six years old in our horsemanship program. This includes riders that do have a diagnosis like, but not limited to Autism, Down Syndrome, Sensory Processing, Auditory Processing, Global Apraxia etc. For riders outside of the therapeutic program, we start as young as four years old.
DO YOU HAVE A WEIGHT LIMIT?
Yes. Horses are able to carry about 20% of their own body weight (including equipment) comfortably. Our largest program horse has the ability to carry a rider up to 200lbs.