Therapeutic Horsemanship & Riding Program What Is Therapeutic Riding? Therapeutic Riding is the use of the horse in a variety of equine-oriented activities to achieve therapeutic goals including physical, cognitive, emotional, social, educational and behavioral goals. Many riders experience a connection to the horse that few sports can create. With the help of trained therapy horses, trained instructors and volunteers, students are taught the foundations of equine behavior, horse care, and horsemanship and riding skills appropriate to their age, needs and level of ability. In doing so, riders with disabilities have the opportunity to experience the benefits that are unique to equine-facilitated therapeutic activities. With a therapy horse's non-judgemental personality, quiet trust, and patient helper attitude, students are highly motivated to learn and grow. The Benefits of Therapeutic Riding Horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait, a movement that cannot be simulated in a clinic setting. As the horse walks, the movement is transferred to the rider, providing a combination of sensory, motor, and neurological stimulation. For individuals with physical disabilities, therapeutic riding improves muscle strength, flexibility, balance and improved coordination, improved gait and just as important, greater self-confidence, self-esteem, and the sense of independence and acceptance. For individuals with cognitive disabilities, therapeutic riding offers a motivational opportunity to improve their concentration, attention span, memory, language skills development. For individuals with behavioral and emotional challenges, the positive horse and human interaction experienced through therapeutic riding can result a greater sense of teamwork, responsibility and communication. As the bond develops with the horse and rider, so does the student's ability to take risks and deal with both success and failure. The sense of independence found on horseback benefits all who ride. The therapeutic qualities of horseback riding are recognized by many medical professionals, including the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy. Association. Who Will Benefit from Therapeutic Riding? Children ages 3 and older and adults, with a wide range of physical, cognitive learning, and/or emotional disabilities, will benefit from therapeutic horseback riding and other equine activities. All therapeutic students are required to have medical clearance from a physician and meet the requirements for safety as determined by NARHA standards. Volunteers - The Heart of Therapeutic Riding At the heart of a therapeutic riding session are the volunteers who give of themselves and their time to make the difference in another person's life! Volunteers in a typical therapeutic riding session are: Horse Leader - responsible for safely leading the horse during a session. Must have prior horse skills and must be 14 years or older. Side Walker - responsible for the safety of the rider and will generally walk next to the rider during the entire session. No horse skills needed and must be 14 years or older. Lesson Assistant - help with horse and lesson prep and ranch chores (must be 11 years or older). No horse skills needed...will be trained prior to first therapeutic riding sessions. If you would like to get involved as a volunteer, please contact Jane Rau at 989-731-0149. What is NARHA? The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) was formed in 1969 as a regulatory agency that assures stringent standards for quality therapeutic horseback riding through instructor certification, site accreditation, and program monitoring. Liberty Valley Ranch Therapeutic Riding Instruction is provided by a current NARHA Certified Instructor. GET INVOLVED If you would like further information about our Therapeutic Horsemanship and Riding Program either for a student/rider or to become a volunteer, please contact Bob or Jane Rau at 989-731-0149.

NARHA Certified