“When walking is difficult, riding a horse is like being in a dream."

-Judy, Client

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Programs.

At Equestrian Connection, our program portfolio was designed to fill the service gaps that exist in the special needs community today.

As a result, in addition to providing hippotherapy and therapeutic riding therapy services; we offer more than thirteen (13) programs--from art and massage therapy to job training and even birthday parties.

Led by clinically-licensed occupational and physical therapists and a professional and experienced staff of clinicians and instructors, the Equestrian Connection team works tirelessly to meet our client needs.

“Best Days Happen Here” is more than a marketing slogan. It represents how Equestrian Connection clients, our clinical team and the entire Equestrian Connection support staff respond after participating in and/or leading the outcomes-based programs listed below.

Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy involves direct treatment by an occupational therapist, physical therapist or speech language pathologist, utilizing purposefully manipulated equine movement to achieve functional goals. For more information about the use of horse as means of therapy, see: http://www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org

Therapeutic Riding

Led by a PATH certified therapeutic riding instructor, clients engage in activities such as grooming, tacking, leading and learning riding skills. These activities contribute positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with a wide range of special needs.

Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy

Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is a type of psychotherapy facilitated by one of our mental health professionals that uses equine activities to achieve goals similar to traditional psychotherapy. By engaging in riding and/or groundwork interactions with the horse, clients can address issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, impulse control, interpersonal relationships, OCD and self-esteem.

Massage Therapy

Parents, caregivers and/or clients can enjoy the benefits of a therapeutic massage from our certified massage therapist, Jan, with Sonny her therapy dog nearby. Individuals can choose from a chair massage or full body massage and relax for 30, 60 or 90 minutes.

Stable-ity™ Therapy Program

Individuals who are searching for new strategies to cope with life’s many challenges can benefit from this group. The topic of each group changes throughout the year, and some themes have been: coping with anxiety and depression, building communication, and healing trauma or grief. Stable-ity is a transformational group for adults that combines a non-traditional equine experience with psychoeducation and emotional support. Stable-ity includes non-mounted work with horses, and it is facilitated by licensed therapists and equine specialists. Through our partnership with NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) we are able to reach local community members to provide this valuable service.

Re-Connect Program

Helps Combat Veterans Rebuild Trust

Veterans can convene at Equestrian Connection to connect with each other and their favorite four-legged therapists to re-build an alliance of trust with their favorite horse, counselors, staff and colleagues! Riding, grooming and other activities are available for individuals and veterans who prefer group therapy settings. Families are also encouraged to attend. Please call to inquire about available times and to schedule your visit!

Balance for Life

Balance for Life incorporates multidimensional riding and grooming/tacking. Participants ride for a half hour incorporating specially designed exercises to improve their coordination, balance and posture conclude. This therapeutic riding session is beneficial for those with walking difficulties because the rhythmic movements of the human pelvis while horseback riding are similar to those that occur while walking. Variations in the horse's speed, stride and direction help improve coordination balance and posture, while promoting cognitive stimulation and the emotional joy of riding a horse. Riders also work on cognitive issues such as memory, problem solving and sequencing skills. The final half hour is spent grooming the horse.

Silver spurs

Silver Spurs is Equestrian Connection's non-mounted program designed for participants with Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia and memory loss. In an assisted manner, small groups are engaged in horse-centered groundwork activities at the barn. These weekly interventions include grooming, leading, haltering and bonding with our horses. The benefits include increased self-confidence, engagement with their environment, pleasure and physical activity while reducing stress, agitation, and isolation. Having an opportunity to bond with the horses is a very powerful and memorable experience.

Wranglers Day Program

Sponsored by a grant from the Helen Brach Foundation, the Wranglers program is offered for a small fee. Led by Nancy Knippen-Carreno and Coach Emily Wachter, it is a non-mounted program designed to teach job skills to teens and adults with special needs. This is a supervised program where participants are involved in many aspects of the barn by working on tasks in the barn, the garden, the office and all throughout the facility.

reading confidence equine program

This new program allows clients to read to therapy horses with a Reading Coach alongside a horse. RCEP help build confidence and learning, while strengthening reading skills, in a fun laid back setting. Our Reading Coach gives one on one attention and helps individuals with words, pronunciations, definitions and concepts that challenge the client. Reading is so necessary for success in life and school in that is it fundamental to learning. It also helps foster the love of learning. Horses make it extra special in that they do not judge people and often enjoy the time spent while the client reads. Clients will learn about horses and enjoy this unique learning experience! Led by Susan Briggs with a Masters in Social Work from University of Chicago. Susan has been a volunteer at Equestrian Connection for the past 15 years and is an Approved Horse Powered Reading Instructor.

CElebrations

While Equestrian Connection specializes in therapy rides, our doors are also open to anyone in the community who enjoys four-legged friends as much as we do. Birthday parties can be tailored to the specific request of the birthday girl/boy or adult, but typically consist of riding, grooming, craft making, eating, and a scavenger hunt. A birthday party at Equestrian Connection is sure to be memorable and fun for everyone!

Field trips (only thurs/fri. openings for new group trips for riding)

Field trips can be a great way to develop team building and foster development for special needs organizations. Field trips at Equestrian Connection include a variety of activities including horseback riding, grooming, fishing, and completing art projects. Participants of all ages and abilities learn about horses and horse care through fun team building games and exercises. Each organization has the ability to customize a program to meet the needs of their participants and their budget. Schools and other organizations are encouraged to contact Equestrian Connection to arrange for a field trip for your students/participants to meet our horses.