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Dream Catchers Therapeutic Horsemanship was established in 1993 as a non-profit organization to provide horseback riding lessons to individuals with mental and physical disabilities. The program was first founded by several employees of Cumberland Hospital for Children and Adolescents who recognized that through equine activities, the challenged rider could develope self awareness, self confidence, and improve their coordination and concentration. Therapeutic riding also offers physical benefits such as muscle strengthening and stretching, and increases gross and fine motor skills. The horse provides the challenged rider with a feeling of freedom and independance that may be limited in their everyday life.
Our therapy sessions include a series of challenging obstacles and excersises which improve mobility, concentration, and balance.
At the beginning of each session, depending on their ability, each student is taught the proper way to groom the horse. Each student is able to brush the horse's coat and mane and pick the horse's hooves.
Depending on the student's riding abilities, we provide support through the use of side walkers, leaders, spotters, and back riders. Types of riding include english, western, and bareback, which can be done using a pad and surcingle or totally bare.
It is so rewarding to see a child, who at the beginning of a lesson is quiet and hesitant, light up with giggles and a smile on the horse's back. One thing that we always try to focus on is the rider's ABILITIES, not their disabilities.
