Equine Assisted Therapy

Using the horse as a dynamic base to facilitate non-static postural control Equine Assisted Therapy fosters improved trunk mobility and strength which in turn, affects overall limb function. The horse’s natural three-dimensional movement mimics a typical human gait creating a gentle rhythmic movement that aids in improving overall balance, strength, muscle control and tone, motor development and coordination.

Learn more about the practice of Equine Assisted Therapy from the American Hippotherapy Association.

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Equine Assisted Therapy sessions are conducted by a licensed physical, or occupational who has advanced education, is registered with and certified by the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) and PATH Intl., certified as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, as well as have credentials demonstrating their working knowledge of the safe and effective use of the horse’s movement as a therapy strategy integrated with neuromotor function and sensory processing.

NEED TO KNOW FACTS ON EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY

  • Equine Assisted Therapy is 30-45 minutes once a week

  • One on one instruction is lead by a licensed PT, or OT with credentials in Equine Assisted Therapy, and Therapeutic Riding.

  • Services are offered year round operating on a session-to-session basis (generally four sessions of services a year). Sessions can vary in length from 5 to 14 weeks, depending on the time of year. Classes are held Monday – Friday with varying times. Participants register to receive services for length of session.

  • Cost of session varies depending on length of session. Cost is a flat rate of $40/week plus an additional fee paid weekly directly to the therapist. Fees vary by therapist and the type of therapy offered.

  • CTRC does not work with any health care provider for billing. We will, if asked, provide clients with paperwork/receipts when seeking their own reimbursement.

  • Check out the FAQ page for answers to common questions about CTRC’s services.

Become a Participant in Equine Assisted Therapy

We invite you grab life by the reins and become one of the many participants who prosper at CTRC. So, if you think you, or someone you know, could benefit from Equine Assisted Therapy follow the Participant Intake process outlined below to get the process started.

PARTICIPANT INTAKE PROCESS

CONTACT US  Please fill out the online participant application here. Once you complete this form, you will automatically be placed on our waitlist and a member of our program will contact you as soon as space becomes available.

SUBMIT PAPERWORK  Once you are on the waitlist for programs you will be contacted when space is available and a Participant Enrollment Packet will be sent to you. This will include a medical form that must be filled out by the participant’s doctor.

EVALUATION  When CTRC has received the completed Participant Enrollment Packet including the medical form, we will contact you to schedule a New Participant Evaluation.  An evaluation helps us ensure that we can safely accommodate you in our program, recommend the proper class, develop goals and create good rider/volunteer/horse teams.  Not everyone can be accepted into the program due to safety or physical/medical contraindications or exceeding our weight limit of 200 lbs. The fee for evaluations is $85, but may be covered by CES Waivers or insurance.

REGISTER TO RIDE  Upon completion of an evaluation and determination by CTRC that we are able to safely accommodate you or your family member, the participant is able to register for services.  A participant’s individual needs and abilities determine which services they are best suited for and which class is most appropriate.