NEW HEIGHTS THERAPY CENTER

Founded in 1998, New Heights Therapy Center is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization located in Folsom, LA. Recognized as a Premier Accredited PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) Center, we provide therapeutic riding to help people with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities achieve an improved quality of life. Our organization is:

stable with a 21 year history and a secure future;
serving the most vulnerable people in our community;
achieving measurable, long-term improvements; and,
operating with transparency and a commitment to excellence.

We currently provide nearly 2,900 services annually to over 95 clients at our facilities which include the only fully accessible barn in the mid-south. In addition, we provide programming to serve our nation’s Veterans, as well as adults with learning disabilities and at-risk youth.

Therapeutic riding is an emerging field in which horses are used as a tool for physical therapy and emotional growth and learning. It uses the movement of the horse and the application of principles involved in riding and horsemanship to enhance the rider’s quality of life. Our therapy works in 4 ways:

The ride strengthens muscles, increases stamina and improves posture and fine motor skills by challenging the body’s balance, strength and coordination in ways that equipment cannot replicate.
The lesson increases memory, comprehension and concentration by challenging cognition and communication skills.
The horse “teaches” respect, patience, attention and focus.
The bond between horse and rider replaces therapy burnout with enthusiasm and compliance, building self-esteem, trust and relationships.

Through our program children and adults who seldom smile laugh out loud; who don’t talk communicate with their horses; who are anti-social bond with the volunteers; and who are bored with conventional therapy can’t wait to work hard.