Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies: Our varied and individual programs offer progressive and successful forms of therapy for individuals of all ages and abilities. The Horses Make Miracles instructors specifically design programs that address the participant’s physical, mental, cognitive and emotional challenges. Working with the horse’s spiritual nature increases one’s social well-being inspiring self-confidence, responsibility, teamwork and awareness of body, mind, heart and soul.
Equus Embrace: A 2021 pilot program at no charge to participants; Equus Embrace focused on enhancing and improving the lives of individuals affected stemming from COVID. Equine Assisted Therapy has been proven to have positive benefits when facilitated by certified instructors including issues presented in 2020 in areas of feeling isolation, uncertainty, trust, communication, confidence, social skills and impulse control. Our work with horses healing humans will target the family units; individuals, adolescents and children who have been hit very hard with the pandemic. Throughout the pandemic social distancing, the wearing of face coverings and quarantining (words we certainly weren’t familiar with), many folks like me have missed hugs. We can hug horses though and that was the inspiration for Equus Embrace.
Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship: Participants of all ages develop unique bonds with their equine partners and learn how to “listen to” horses, whether riding or developing horsemanship skills on the ground. Our lessons include aspects of care, grooming, riding and fun activities to realize individual lesson plans to reach rider’s goals and full potential. Classes focus on the positive to boost self-confidence and comfort with many activities based upon skill levels. Participants will learn equine behavior, horse terminology and build a connected relationship with their equine partner.
Hooves of Pride: Many of our returning vets experience PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) which can be very isolating. The horse’s non-judgmental and sensitivity to body language help our participants realize awareness of feelings and emotions with non-verbal cues. Learning to trust a horse and work through the therapeutic activities, veterans can put aside the focus of their anxiety, mental illness or disability and direct attention to caring interactions.
Pony Power: Participants who are typically between the ages of 8-17 will develop horsemanship skills in a safe, educational and fun atmosphere. They learn leadership, communication, mutual respect and trust with their equine partner and build self-awareness and confidence. Pairing two kids with one horse emphasizes team work with peers and problem solving.
Silver Stirrups: Our Silver Stirrups program is offered free of charge to seniors wishing to learn and spend time with horses in a safe and fun atmosphere which has proven positive results for patients dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Specialty contemplative workshops held yearly include Equine Insights and Women with Wings specifically designed for women participants.
The therapeutic team of the facilitators, therapy horses and volunteers ensure that safety, confidentiality, challenging lesson plans and related activities enhance the participant’s life experiences. Families and caregivers are welcome to observe weekly scheduled lessons although some therapy sessions are closed due to confidentiality policies.
