In hippotherapy sessions, an occupational therapist uses the movement of the horse as a treatment strategy to help clients meet physical and emotional goals. Children and adults hoping to improve focus, balance, muscle strength, communication, and posture to be more independent in daily life benefit from hippotherapy. The sessions are tailored to your goals and home exercises are given to ensure progress at home.
As opposed to hippotherapy, the goal of therapeutic horseback riding is for the client to learn to ride a horse independently rather than meet physical or emotional therapy goals. In therapeutic horseback riding, a client learns to steer and control the horse under the guidance of a riding instructor. At Taking the Lead, Inc., clients can work toward goals of going on trail rides through the woods or showing off their skills at one of our horse shows.
Our Heroes & Horses (H&H) program helps veterans and active-duty military members set and reach goals for self-efficacy and self-actualization in the categories/realms that they deem most important for themselves including mental health, physical health/fitness, education, employment, spirituality, and community involvement.
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Stimulate all the rider’s senses with sight, smell, touch, etc, with a variety of stations set up on the trail where riders can play with music, games, and mystery boxes.
“First time here and I have to say all these gals and guys were great! They were so caring and knowledgeable and you can tell they all have a heart of gold for helping others succeed!”
“My daughter has autism and is visually impaired, and we weren’t sure horseback riding was a possibility for her … until we met Chelsea. No one has ever connected with my daughter so quickly. The entire team is supportive, patient, and compassionate, and the hippotherapy program is really well-organized. We still kind of can’t believe this place exists and feel so lucky to have found it. Highly recommended.”
“Chelsea is a great trainer of all animals and has a heart for people! Her therapeutic riding program at River Valley Ranch was great. Now she is on her own with wonderful year-round facilities on a beautiful farm. If you or your children have ever dreamed of being on a horse, but didn’t think it was possible because of a disability, you owe it to yourself to check this out! Make your dreams come true with Chelsea at Timberbrook Farm!”