Programs and
Services
River Cities Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. (RCTRC) began with people . . . their abilities. . . and horses. We put them together. Under the supervision of trained instructors, therapists, volunteers, individuals are challenged and new abilities are created. In a positive outdoor environment, families get to experience nature and nurturing -
in order to develop confidence, independence and character. All riders are required to wear a ASTM-SEI (American Society for Testing and Materials - Safety Equipment Institute approved helmet. Helmets that are not ASTM-SEI approved for equestrian use must meet the NARHA lightweight helmet guidelines. All riders regardless of ability utilize stirrups with safety features. All tack and equipment is assured to be safe and in good repair. Our facilities also have a working phone on hand at all time. Emergency information is posted in the barn. We also have a bathroom available for rider/family use.
Who can participate -
please note that there are contraindications to riding.
Muscular Dystrophy
Cerebral Palsy
Visual Impairment
Down Syndrome
Mental Retardation
Autism
Multiple Sclerosis
Spina Bifida
Emotional Disabilities
Brain Injuries
Spinal Cord Injuries
Amputations
Learning Disabilities
Attention Deficit Disorder
Deafness
Cardiovascular accident/Stroke
Hippotherapy
In 1994 our Executive Director attended and received a
certificate for "Introduction to Hippotherapy" Course.
She has continued to educate herself regarding the horse as
a therapy intervention through continuing education
activities.
Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational, and
speech-language therapy treatment strategy that utilizes
equine movement as part of an integrated intervention
program to achieve functional outcomes. Not all participants
ride - but the horse is used more as a motivator to
accomplish traditional therapy outcomes.
"Equine
movement provides multidimensional movement, which is
variable, rhythmic and repetitive. The horse provides a
dynamic base of support, making it an excellent tool for
increasing trunk strength and control, balance, building
overall postural strength and endurance, addressing weight
bearing, and. motor planning. Equine movement offers
well-modulated sensory input to vestibular, proprioceptive,
tactile and visual channels. During gait transitions, the
patient must perform subtle adjustments in the trunk to
maintain a stable position. When a patient is sitting
forward astride the horse, the horse's walking gait imparts
movement responses remarkably similar to normal human gait.
The effects of equine movement on postural control, sensory
systems, and motor planning can be used to facilitate
coordination and timing, grading of responses, respiratory
control, sensory integration skills and attentional skills.
Equine movement can be used to facilitate the
neurophysiologic systems that support all of our functional
daily living skills."
According to the American Hippotherapy Association:
http://americanhippotherapyassociation.org
Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy
According to the North American Riding for the
Handicapped Association, Inc. http://narha.org
"Any specific center activity, i.e. therapeutic
riding, mounted or ground activities, grooming & stable
management, shows, parades, demonstrations, etc. in which
the center’s participants, volunteers, instructors, and
equines are involved."
Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) – Treatment that
incorporates equine activities and/or the equine
environment. Rehabilitative goals are related to the
participant needs and the medical professionals standards of
practice.
Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) – An
educational approach that includes equine facilitated
activities
incorporating the experience of equine/human interaction in
an environment of learning or self-discovery. EFL encourages
personal exploration of feelings and behaviors to help
promote human growth and development. It may be conducted by
a NARHA certified instructor, an educator, a coach or a
therapist with special training in partnership with horses
to address mental health needs. Goals may be related to
self-improvement, social interaction, increased awareness
and/or education.
Equine Facilitated Mental Health (EFMH) –
Inclusive of equine assisted activities and therapies with a
focus
on mental health issues.
Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) –
Experiential psychotherapy that includes equine(s). It may
include, but is not limited to, a number of mutually
respectful equine activities such as handling, grooming,
lungeing/longeing, riding, driving, and vaulting. EFP is
facilitated by a licensed/credentialed mental health
professional working with an appropriately credentialed
equine professional. Although EFP may encompass many
different activities, the activities themselves are not the
goal. Rather these activities assist reaching the
psychotherapy goals set by the mental health professional
and the client.
General Riding Lessons
Any one who has a love for horses and wants to learn
about them, learn to ride them, or simply be around them -
this is for you! You don't have to have a challenge
just an abiltiy to learn and enjoy these majestic animals.
Work to Ride - History
In 2005 we launched our -
Work to Ride (RCTRC-WTR) program designed to further utilize horses and
equine assisted activities in innovative ways as a means to engage youth in wholesome, constructive activities. We empower young people to volunteer and to assist others as a means to develop character and ethics. RCTRC-WTR provides
youth with a positive outlet for their energy and an alternative to negative activities. Through active participation in RCTRC-WTR programs, young people acquire a variety of life skills. Participants develop discipline and responsibility by performing certain chores at the center in addition to their riding, training and horse care responsibilities. Not only do they earn riding time but develop skills to compete in any number of horse sports of their choosing. Self-esteem is increased through each stage of the program as participants achieve preset goals. RCTRC-WTR programs and activities are designed to explore new ways of engaging program participants in significant educational, social and cultural experiences that are otherwise unavailable. Youngsters build relationships and develop problem solving skills through spirited teamwork and cooperation. Participants learn kindness and positive reinforcement through feeding, grooming and nurturing the horses. Upon acceptance to the program participants are expected to commit to a minimum of one year with the expectation that they will remain in the program until they graduate High School. After graduation participants retain their involvement by becoming mentors.
GOALS: - Provide activities that promote discipline, self-esteem, motivation, social development, life skills, academic achievement and physical fitness.
- Provide year round programs that encourage long term participation.
- Provide educational and cultural resources to participants and the community at large.
- Provide vocational guidance and opportunities for careers in related fields.
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River
Cities Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc.
