




Executive Director of Special Strides
Therapeutic Riding Center
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapy Clinical Instructor
Treasurer, American Hippotherapy
Association
President, HRH of NJ
Therapy
Therapeutic/Adaptive
PT and OT
Riding
Cooperation
Therapeutic Driving
Equine Facilitated
Learning






130 clients-70 % receive therapy
services/30% riding instruction
6 Therapists (PT and OT)
4 Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding Instructors
1 Therapeutic Driving Instructor
2 holding certification in EFL
2 holding certification as Equine Specialists
Equine Assisted
Activities & Therapy
Recreational Program
Riding, Driving, Vaulting
Therapy Program
Equine movement &
related activities

When we look at the definitions and goals the
decision is very clear.

Definitions-who is moving whom?

Goals of the horse and human relationship

Recreational and
educational
model where the
goals are on the
horse or ground
but always
directly related
to equine skills
and
horsemanship.


Addresses clinical impairments that lead to a
specific evidence based plan of care
Movement of the horse facilitates the
achievement of very specific goals meaningful
to each client to change function.
 Therapy
 Riding
Riding
Therapy


What are the goals--- Let the goals of the
client, parent or prescribing MD lead the way.
Therapy goals◦ Change in the neurophysiologic status of the
nervous system
◦ Change in the musculoskeletal system function
◦ Overall change in the functional status for activities
of daily living

Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding:
A program based on equine skill acquisition as well
as social/emotional gains of a recreational activity
individually or in large/small groups.

Recreational Goals◦ Provide a recreational or sport activity for an
individual with special needs that requires
adaptation in either equipment or instruction.


When the therapy goals of the individual have
been met and they desire to continue to ride
a horse to further their recreational goals
When they are ready to direct the movement
of the horse and develop horsemanship skills

When the functional status of a current
recreational rider has changed and they no
longer meet the precautions/contraindications
of a riding program.
◦ Decline in medical status
◦ Incidence of seizures
◦ Change in skeletal configuration—progression of
scoliosis



Both types of programming at the same
center-integrated model
Develop a relationship with other disciplines
to support this transition
Use your state organization to locate riding
instructors or therapists if you cannot find
them on your own

Provide a safe
environment where
individuals of all
abilities can
perform to their
greatest potential.