Therapeutic Riding!
Fresh Steps EAP, is proud to introduce the addition of Therapeutic Riding to its list of services. Therapeutic riding consists of equine oriented activities which positively impact people with disabilities in the domains of cognitive, emotional, physical and social well-being. Therapeutic riding uses an integrated approach to create benefits from four different fields of practice, such as physical, occupational, speech and language therapists, all of whom have specific ways of using the horse within their profession.
Fresh Steps can work with an existing therapist, or can provide all psychotherapeutic care to meet the needs of the client. During a therapeutic riding or equine assisted psychotherapy session, equine activities are used to achieve specific goals in the areas of physical, psychological, cognitive behavioral, and communication.
In all our work the use of the horse involves a team approach among licensed/credentialed health professionals, therapeutic riding instructors and clients. The client may be treated individually, in a group or family session based on the clients’ needs to meet personal goals.
As an educational part of therapeutic riding there are equine activities used to achieve psycho-educational goals for people with physical, mental and psychological impairments, along with providing the individual with skills in the sport of riding, driving or vaulting. People with physical mental and psychological impairment participate in activities with the horse. The activities are adapted as needed based on the clients’ abilities within the areas of sport, therapeutic and recreation goals. There are endless benefits to therapeutic riding within each domain, such as:
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Physical benefits: balance, coordination, flexibility, an increase in muscle tone and/or relaxation of tense muscles.
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Cognitive benefits: following and processing directions, concentration
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Emotional benefits: trust, caring for a living creature, self-esteem
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Social benefits: verbal and non-verbal communication, learning positive social interactions
Call us today to learn more about our program. We are always looking for good volunteers to help with our sessions! Check out our events page to see when our next volunteer training session will be held. Or, Click Here to view our Volunteer Application Form.
