Internship Programs Staff Page
Therapeutic Riding
Hippotherapy
The Mane Stream Program
Working with Autism through Riding
Riding Lessons for everyone

Our programs are designed to meet the needs of children and adults with physical, mental, or social disabilities, as well as those who wish to learn about horses and riding in a therapeutic environment. We welcome you!
For information or sign up, please contact Winslow at (845) 986-6686
 For News and Events see their respective pages.

For further information, email us at info@winslow.org or call us at 845-986-6686.


Therapeutic Riding

What is Therapeutic Riding?
Therapeutic riding is an individualized program of learning to ride a horse which takes into account a person's physical, mental, and emotional strengths and limitations. The horses, staff, and volunteers involved in therapeutic riding have all been carefully selected and trained to accommodate the physical, mental, or social disabilities of the rider. Goals of therapeutic riding vary as much as the individual participants. Improved physical strength, balance, mobility and coordination are accomplished through the physical act of riding a horse. Increased attention, concentration, learning, and verbal skills are inherent in learning the skills necessary to ride successfully. Bonding with the horse, making new friends, and respecting authority are some of the social improvements we see. Improvements in self esteem, self control, and confidence also arise from the experience of success in learning to ride. Therapeutic riding is fun and effective!

What Therapeutic Riding Programs are Available?

What Therapeutic Riding Programs are available?
Children and adults may participate individually or as part of a group in one or more of our therapeutic riding programs. Winslow typically offers 10 week sessions for spring, summer, and fall programs. Some programs are offered to children and adolescents through their school or residential placements. However individuals may sign up for therapeutic riding at any time during the year.

Winslow has programs designed to help children and adults with physical disabilities, learning difficulties, communication disorders, emotional problems, social disorders, stress related issues, and adjustment difficulties. Instructors will interview parents or guardians and involved professionals to gather information about the rider's capabilities and goals. Riders will then be offered a program that best fits their needs. English, Western and adaptive equipment are available to provide a riding experience suited to each participant. Adaptive equipment is available.

How do I get started?
Individuals interested in Therapeutic Riding may call the Winslow office (845) 986-6686 to schedule an evaluation or get more information. An evaluation is generally done both on and off the horse, and may take 1/2 hour to 1 hour.

Scholarships A limited number are available: (Applications upon request)
Deadlines:
     March 15th-for Spring Sessions
     May 15th-for Summer Sessions
     August 15th for Fall Sessions
     December 15th- for Winter Sessions


Hippotherapy

What is Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy (from the Greek "hippo" meaning "horse") is physical therapy that utilizes the natural movement of the horse to help riders regain physical strength, mobility, and coordination. The similarities between a horse's pelvic movements at a walk, and the movement of a normal human pelvis enables the rider to physically learn or relearn skills and movements that may have been lost or compromised. Speech, physical, or occupational therapy patients can improve muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, respiration, strength, and body awareness as they sit upon and ride a horse in an enjoyable and effective method of treatment. Hippotherapy patients tend to be the best motivated physical therapy patients, because the work is fun!

Who can benefit from Hippotherapy?
Children and adults can benefit from hippotherapy when it is used as part of their overall treatment program. Disabilities that can be treated through traditional physical, occupational, or speech therapy, can be treated through hippotherapy.
Examples of such disabilities include but are not limited to:
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Down Syndrome
  • Dyspraxia
  • Stroke
  • Paralysis/Paraplegia
  • Head Trauma
  • Spina Bifida
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Convulsive Disorders
  • Amputation
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Scoliosis
  • Arthritis
  • Autism
   
 About our providers
Winslow's licensed physical, speech, or occupational therapists have undergone additional training using the horse as a therapeutic tool. Each therapist is registered with the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA), and the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA).

How to obtain services
Individuals interested in hippotherapy may contact Winslow to schedule an evaluation at any time. The evaluation will need to be reviewed before treatment can begin. The therapist will contact you and ask that you bring medical records and your prescriptions.

Cost of services

The length, frequency, and duration of proposed services will be discussed during the evaluation. Typical sessions are 1/2 hour weekly. Clients may submit the cost of services to their insurance for reimbursement.

Driving Program

This program offers students with physical, mental, sensory, or emotional conditions the rewards of interaction and control of a horse or pony while driving from a carriage seat or in their own wheelchair.

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.

All achievements are applauded but some disabled drivers go on to mainstream carriage driving competitions, such as pleasure driving and combined driving events, where they compete on an equal footing with the able bodied. Drivers in wheelchairs are often seen at these competitions.       more info


Sponsor a Horse

"Sponsor" a Therapy horse, and help bring a smile to a child's face!

At Winslow Therapeutic Center, we are committed to offering the finest quality therapeutic riding services to people of any age and ability. Many children and adults in our community have discovered the joy and healing that takes place in our very special environment. We attempt to offer our programs to anyone showing an interest or need, and wherever possible, we do so regardless of that rider's ability
As a not-for-profit organization, we rely heavily on your support to help us maintain our "staff" of horses. Your involvement in the sponsor a horse program can help us achieve our goals, and brighten the lives of the people we serve.

How does this program work?
You can "sponsor" the horse of your choice for one year, covering complete care, or some portion of that horse's expenses. Payment arrangements may be made monthly, quarterly and annually.

Complete care for one year (includes feed, farrier, vet/health maintenance) - $1,500
Feed (one year supply) - $800
Farrier (costs for one year) - $400
Veterinary Fees (maintenance for one year) - $300

To see pictures, and read a brief description of each horse, click here

Please make a donation to help defray the cost of our team of therapy chores; we will send you updates on "your horse", and you will enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you are helping our unique program.

All funds donated to the "sponsor a horse program" are restricted and go directly to horse care.

Thank You!


Autism & Communications Disorder

What is Autism?
Autism is a neurological disorder characterized by developmental delays in language skills and social interaction. Mental processing is generally uneven, with some skills at or above "normal", and others delayed. In addition, many people with autism are extremely sensitive to certain sensory input like bright lights, new smells, sounds, textures, or being touched. . Autism, and its milder cousin "Asperger's Syndrome", can affect individuals of any race, religion, socioeconomic level, and level of intelligence. It is important to know that people with autism may have normal IQs, despite their social or language delays. The cause(s) of autism, Asperger's Syndrome, and other pervasive developmental disorders are unknown. While there is no known medical "cure", individuals with autism and other communication disorders can improve their learning, processing, and socialization skills through specific interventions.

How can Therapeutic Riding help people with Autism?
Winslow has developed therapeutic riding programs specifically designed for children with communication disorders such as autism. A team of specially trained instructors, volunteers, and horses make it possible for these children to participate in horseback riding activities that encourage learning, verbal and nonverbal expression, positive social interaction, and bonding with the horses. Classes are structured to accommodate each child's particular strengths and weaknesses. Instructors may use icons or other picture symbols as aids in communication, and every attempt is made to keep lessons consistent and predictable. Our Winslow staff and volunteers have witnessed many children smiling, laughing, or uttering their first words during a therapeutic riding lesson. The rewards are priceless!

How can I get my child involved?
Classes to accommodate children with autism are offered several times throughout the year. Interested parents/guardians may contact Winslow at any time to schedule an evaluation and discuss our programming. (845) 986-6686 Individual or group lessons are available, depending on the needs of the child. Parents will need to arrange transportation to and from the Winslow farm for lessons, unless programming is arranged by the school.
(Scholarships and prepaid package discounts may be available)


CLASSES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITHOUT SPECIAL NEEDS

Winslow offers lessons in English and Western Centered Riding.

Junior Horsemanship Classes
Spend an hour each week learning how to groom and tack, care for horses and learn about breeds and basic vet care.
Of course, riding too!   1 hour $40 per person

Intro to Quadrille
Choreographed riding to music. Independent walk/trot riders or above. Teams of 4 riders.
Classes are 11 weeks (pay for 10 get the 11th FREE) Cost: $400

Private Lessons
1/2 hour -$45 per person
1 hour-$65 per person

Semi-Private Lessons
1/2 hour- $35 per person
1 hour- $50 per person

Group Riding Lessons
Spend the full hour each week learning riding skills
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Levels.
1 hour- $40 per person

Adult Group Ride
Leave your stress behind, make new friends, bond with horses, learn to ride. $40

Day at the Barn
Scheduled for school breaks and holidays, a day program of riding & horsemanship, equestrian crafts & games make it a fun "day off" activity.     Click here to read 2008-2009 flyer.
Cost: $50 / day per person

Farm Experience
Two hour program consisting of riding, grooming & equine themed age appropriate activities. Great for Scouts & groups. $55 per person

Summer Adventures -- Begins after July 4th
Week long programs of riding, horsemanship, games and fun. Call to get on the mailing list. For More Info Download Registration Form

 
Copyright © Winslow Therapeutic Center 2005-2008