Stable Hands

Hearts, Hands and Horses...Building Dreams, Changing Lives

Our Program Using Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic Riding is specialized instruction in riding skills and horse management taught by riding instructors certified by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, NARHA. This includes education both on and off the horse in the areas of riding skills, stable management, basic equine care and safety. The goal is for the rider to be and become as independent as possible. Specific objectives and goals are planned and implemented by the instructor. Our riders generally improve physically, mentally and socially while riding and learning from their horses.

Our Program Using Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy literally means “treatment with the help of the horse” from the Greek word, “hippos” meaning horse. 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. At Stable Hands, it is an intensive one-on-one therapy session with a licensed occupational therapist who has been utilizing hippotherapy techniques since 1997.

In hippotherapy, the horse is driven from behind using long lines, rather than being led, and the horse handler moves the horse under the direction of the therapist. During treatment the movement of the horse is used as a dynamic surface to train and retrain neuromuscular responses. The client is not learning how to ride a horse. The primary goal of hippotherapy is to improve trunk strength. For example, occupational therapist Marcia Cushman OTR uses hippotherapy to enable clients to build trunk control for independent hand and arm use.

Who is eligible for hippotherapy?

Clients must be at least 2 years of age. There is no upper age limit as long as the therapy team (including the horse) can safely handle the impairments of the individual.

Hippotherapy can benefit people with a wide range of diagnoses, which include but are not limited to:

Medical Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Vascular Accident/Stroke
Developmental Delay
Genetic Syndromes
Learning Disabilities
Multiple Sclerosis
Sensory Integration Disorders
Speech-Language Disorders
Traumatic Brain Injury

Impairments

Abnormal muscle tone
Impaired balance responses
Impaired coordination
Impaired communication
Impaired sensorimotor function
Postural asymmetry
Poor postural control
Decreased mobility
Limbic system dysfunction related to arousal and attentional skills

For more information concerning hippotherapy, visit the American Hippotherapy Association website.

Mission Statement

“Stable Hands’ mission is to promote physical, mental, and social health through equine assisted activities and therapy”.

Our Vision

Community Awareness: Stable Hands is known county-wide as a premier center for equine assisted activities and therapies
Volunteerism: Individuals are eager for the opportunity to volunteer time at Stable Hands
Partnerships: Stable Hands has developed synergistic relationships with referring agencies and practitioners
Facilities: The Stable Hands office and equestrian facilities are centrally located, well-maintained, alluring, and comprehensive
Programs: Equine assisted activities and therapies are offered to clients of all ages and disabilities