Anyone who has been on a horse responds immediately to the power and strength of the animal. For individuals living with disabilities, the experience offers a new view on life. Horses are a wonderful medium for relationships and for therapy in a natural environment. Riding therapy has proven to be a highly motivational and enriching therapeutic and educational modality for students to escape their crutches and wheelchairs, replacing them with the gentle gait of a well-trained horse.
Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic Riding at Equest Center
takes place using a variety of riding positions, saddles and other adaptive equipment based on the individual needs and goals of the rider. Classes run year-round and clients typically participate in one riding lesson per week.
Summary of Fees for Therapeutic Riding lessons
Therapeutic Riding lesson (30 minutes) $40.00
Therapeutic Riding lesson (60 minutes) $55.00
Equest offers scholarship opportunities available at various levels that range from partial to full assistance. For more information contact:
Kelly Alcock, Client Program Coordinator at KellyAlcock@EquestCenter.org or
Jackie Najdowski, Office Coordinator at JackieNajdowski@EquestCenter.org
Goals are thoughtfully developed…
to foster independence and to provide challenging and educational activities. Input gathered from parents/guardians, riders, teachers and therapists help an instructor develop their lesson plan, which may include a wide variety of games and exercises designed to assist each rider in achieving the goals they have set for themselves. There are many opportunities for the whole horse experience such as grooming, leading, tacking, groundwork, and more. Lessons may be held in the indoor arena or outdoor riding arena if whether permits.
Teamwork is at the heart of therapeutic riding. The horse, rider, instructor, and volunteers work together to provide a fun and positive therapeutic environment that cannot be duplicated in a clinical setting. During the lesson, one to four volunteers may assist the rider depending on the rider’s ability level and needs. All volunteers participate in an orientation, experience hands-on training, and comply with our confidentiality policy.
Because of its varied benefits, therapeutic riding has been recognized as a beneficial mode of therapy by the American Physical and Occupational Therapy Associations. The relaxing farm environment, fresh air and unique form of exercise is a refreshing change from conventional therapy facilities. Typically, individuals with disabilities have had more than their share of doctor visits and stressful therapy sessions. Equest offers the opportunity to use their strengths, improve on their weaknesses, and reach their personal and therapeutic goals in a relaxing environment. To put it simply – Equest provides therapy disguised as fun!
Cancellation Policy
If inclement weather develops or if it is necessary to cancel classes for any reason, Equest will notify the individual riders and volunteers scheduled. Closings are also posted on Equest Center’s Facebook page and on Equest Center’s main phone line.
If Rockford Public Schools are closed due to winter weather, Equest’s classes will be canceled as well.
For the safety of the horses, clients and volunteers, classes cannot be held during thunder and lightning due to the potential startling of horses.
