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Therapeutic Riding     Hippotherapy 
Autism & Communications Disorder

Horses for Heroes
Classes for Children and Adults with and without Special Needs

Our programs are designed to meet the needs of children and adults with physical, cognitive, or emotional 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 further information, email us at info@winslow.org or call us at 845-986-6686.

Download Winslow's Participant Application and Health History Form here


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?
Children and adults may participate individually or as part of a group in one or more of our therapeutic riding programs. Winslow typically weekly lessons.  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. 

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.  Cost for an evaluation is $45.00.

Scholarships A limited number are available.  Applications upon request.


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.
 

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. Lessons 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?
Lessons to accommodate children with autism are offered throughout the year. Interested parents/guardians may contact Winslow at any time to schedule an evaluation and discuss our programming.  Individual or group lessons are available, depending on the needs of the child. (Scholarships and prepaid package discounts may be available)


HORSES FOR HEROES

Winslow is offering equine assisted activities and therapies to military service veterans in the form of individual one-on-one and group therapeutic horseback riding. The program is also being offered to the children of service personnel killed in action.
Download flyer
Download brochure


CLASSES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH AND WITHOUT SPECIAL NEEDS

Winslow offers lessons in English and Western Riding.

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

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 $65 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. 
Cost: $40 / day per person

Farm Experience
Two hour program consisting of riding, grooming & equine themed age appropriate activities. Great for Scouts & groups. Group: $55 per person.  Individual: $85 per person.

Summer Adventures

Sign your child (ages 7 - 12) up for this outdoor summer program which allows your child to explore, enjoy and learn about caring for one of the most beautiful animals, the horse.

  •  Riders will learn about caring, bonding and trusting through the use of the horse.
  •  Opportunities in decision making, leadership skills and social skills will enrich the experience with the ultimate goal of improved self awareness, self image and self reliance.

 

 

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