Equine Assisted Therapy and Activity Descriptions

Equine Assisted Activities (EAA) – any specific center activity including: therapeutic riding, mounted or ground activities, therapy, grooming, stable management, shows, parades, demonstrations in which the centers’ clients, participants, volunteers, instructors, and equines are involved.

Adaptive Therapeutic Riding (TR) – mounted activities including traditional riding disciplines or adaptive riding activities conducted by a NARHA Certified Instructor

Hippotherapy (HPOT) – a physical, occupational or speech therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement.

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.

Some of the Disabilities Served at ROAW:

Cerebral Palsy Down Syndrome Spina Bifida Traumatic Brain Injury Intellectual Disability Autism Spectrum Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Behavior Problems Motor Impairments Hearing Impaired Vision Impaired Muscular Dystrophy Development Delays Undiagnosed

Eligibilty Guidelines:

Minimum Age for:
Adaptive Therapeutic Riding- 4 years old unless recommended to begin sooner by a medical professional
Hippotherapy- 2 years old unless recommended to begin sooner by a medical professional

Due to the recommendations from our veterinarian, we have implemented the following weight guidelines for our riders:

• Postural Control- Riders over 80 pounds must be able to maintain a sitting position; at least by holding on with one hand.
• ROAW has a weight limit of 200 pounds for riders who can ambulate independently and are self-supporting. If an individual weighs less than 200 pounds, but cannot support themselves, the Executive Director, therapists, and instructors will consult and determine whether the individual can SAFELY participate in our program. (This may vary depending on participation in Hippotherapy or Therapeutic Riding.)
  

We appreciate your compliance and understanding, this is to ensure continued safety for our riders, horses, and staff.