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Program Details

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Activities Offered
  • Horseback Riding
Building Access
  • Meets ADA standards

Staff Training and Certification
  • Staff Training: Adapted Phys Ed/Therapeutic Rec; other, Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor with NARHA

Participants Served
  • Age range of participants: 5 to 65

Adaptive Equipment
  • Adaptive equipment available

Transportation
  • Accessible by Public Transportation: No

  • Transportation Provided by the Program: No

Notes

A Member of the Hospital for Special Care Community, Manes and Motions Therapeutic Riding Center is the only therapeutic horseback riding center in central Connecticut. Located at Wedgewood Stables in Kensington, offering children and adults living with cognitive and physical disabilities the opportunity to enjoy equine-assisted activities for therapeutic, recreational, sport and educational purposes. This wonderful opportunity, the magical connection and therapeutic value from horses, will open up a whole new world for our children and adults involved in the disabled sports and fitness programs at Hospital for Special Care Volunteers and dedicated staff are key to the meteoric growth and success of Manes & Motions. Therapeutic riding and its benefits have been documented for many years, going as far back as 1875. It has long been known that the human-animal bond is a powerful force in human emotions, and is one of the most important elements of the program. In addition to the emotional benefits, therapeutic riding is proven to improve muscle tone, head control, increased mobility, coordination, physical strength, confidence and self-esteem.

During each session riders enjoy a variety of games and activities designed for horseback, which motivate the rider and provide opportunities for meeting physical, cognitive, behavioral and psychological goals. The addition of therapeutic riding has the potential to expand our sports, leadership and training program in a variety of ways. 14+ may participate.