Font Size:
Horse Power is a therapeutic riding and learning experience for people with special emotional needs, physical challenges or learning disabilities.
Since 1989, Horse Power has served over 1,500 riders facing physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral and learning challenges. Their challenges encompass head injuries, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness, and Down Syndrome.
Horse Power is recognized nationally for its pro-active intervention and treatment programs for youths dealing with physical abuse, divorce, suicide, bereavement, or substance abuse. Horse Power has also developed a model program designed to work with schools serving students with attention deficit disorders or learning problems and who may be "at risk" of running away, dropping out of school, or developing patterns of juvenile delinquency.
Horse Power is one of the largest professional therapeutic riding programs in New England. It is a fully accredited member of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, which establishes program standards, provides insurance, and trains and certifies instructors.
Horse Power has achieved a leadership role in educating professionals in the fields of therapeutic riding and mental health. Our annual conference on "Horses and Healing: Equine Facilitated Mental Health" is the only one of its kind in the nation and draws participants from across the U.S., Canada and Europe. Clinics and workshops focusing on critical aspects of therapeutic riding are offered throughout the year.
The specific objectives of Horse Power vary with each rider's needs. For some, goals include increased balance and coordination, along with gains in stamina or muscle tone. For others, the focus is on self-esteem, trustbuilding, and the increased ability to listen, follow instructions, and learn. All riders improve skills such as working in a group, building positive relationships with adults, accepting responsibility, and tolerating constructive criticism.
Horse Power annually conducts two ten-week sessions, an eight-week summer session plus two horse shows. Several of our riders participate in Special Olympics.
Riders are referred to Horse Power by doctors, school guidance counselors, physical or occupational therapists, teachers, parents and community leaders. Some riders live at home with their families, others are in treatment in a hospital or rehabilitation center, or in a sheltered group environment.
The horse is a wonderful catalyst and partner for many types and levels of therapy. We offer Horse Power in an encouraging and safe atmosphere where success and fun are built in to each and every lesson.
