Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic Riding teaches the rider to control the horse and such skills as reining, use of aids and stable management. All therapeutic riding sessions are conducted by a NARHA certified instructor and periodically reassessed by a therapist. Therapeutic riding sessions are conducted in a group setting with 2 to 3 riders riding at a time. All riders are accompanied by a leader and two sidewalkers if needed. Some students progress to the point that they are able to ride independently.
Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy is done by an Occupational, Physical or Speech Therapist (OT, PT, ST) who have been specially trained to use the movement of the horse to facilitate improvements in their client/patient. It does not teach the client how to ride the horse. Therapists use traditional techniques such as NDT (neurodevelopmental treatment) and SI (sensory integration) along with the movement of the horse as part of their treatment strategy. All goals are therapy directed such as improving balance, coordination, posture, fine motor control, improving articulation and increasing cognitive skills.
Therapeutic Carriage Driving
Carriage Driving is a fast growing sport. HETRA offers students with physical, mental, sensory, or emotional conditions the rewards of interaction and control of a horse while driving from a carriage seat. Using a horse and carriage gives participants an alternative or an addition to riding, opening up the world of horses to those who may be unable to ride due to weight, balance, fatigue, fear of heights, the inability to sit astride, or other issues. Therapeutic Driving is all about imparting knowledge of safety, horses, harnessing, and driving skills to children and adults using teamwork. All therapeutic Driving sessions are conducted by a NARHA certified Driving Instructor and is accompanied by an able bodied whip. It takes 3 to 5 volunteers to make one driving turn out!
Public Riding Lessons
HETRA is very excited to now offer riding lessons to the general public! These lessons have become very popular with our volunteers and the families of our students. Please contact Edye at edye@hetra.org or (402) 708-6433
Horses for Heros
HETRA is starting our pilot program - Horses for Heros in September of 2010. Veterans of any age and type of disability are encouraged to explore participation in this program (specific precautions and contraindications to horseback riding will be addressed through a thorough evaluation by an occupational therapist to determine eligibility). Horses for Heros is designed to evaluate and provide opportunities for improvement physically, mentally and socially for participants. Veterans will participate in 45 minute therapeutic sessions conducted by the HETRA team. The HETRA team consists of Veteran Volunteers (Horse leaders and sidewalkers to assist the participant), NARHA Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors, Occupational Therapists, and a Mental Health Therapist.
Additional Services
Group tours of either barn
Summer camps
Speakers for events or meetings
College internships
Service learning hours
For more information on any of these services please contact us at (402) 359-8830.