Our Therapeutic Horsemanship Programs
Wings of Hope was founded in 1996 to provide inclusion for those with disabilities, specifically for children and adults with physical, mental or emotional challenges through the partnership of a horse.
The partnership allows those with life with challenges or disabilities the opportunity to explore new ways to navigate independence, to gain tools and skills to sharpen and enhance abilities, to discover strengths
and address challenges.
In order to participate in therapeutic horsemanship as a client at Wings of Hope, you must have a diagnosis, disability or challenge diagnosed by a licensed medical healthcare professional.
All therapeutic horsemanship clients must complete the application process including a meet & greet evaluation at Wings of Hope and commit to a weekly session on the same day and time each week.
Sessions are scheduled continuously September - May with modified Summer opportunities.
Mounted HorsmanshipHorse Back Riding
Therapeutic horseback riding is for individuals seeking the physical benefits and movement from the horse to improve gait, flexibility, balance, focus and
communication.
More about therapeutic horseback riding lessons:
Therapeutic riding is mounted horseback riding which is intended for any person with a special need or disability. Lessons are tailored to fit the needs of the individual by utilizing specially trained horses, instructors and volunteers.
Individuals focus on learning horsemanship skills while the Instructor incorporates their school and/or life goals into the lesson by using activities to target the goals.
Mounted therapeutic horsemanship helps individuals by:
developing balance and core strength
increased focus
motor planning
problem solving skills
independence
self-confidence
Ground Based HorsemanshipGround based learning
Ground based horsemanship is offered for individuals seeking a combination of physical, social, or emotional benefits from the horse.
More about ground based lessons:
Through ground-based experiences, individuals address areas associated with the management of time, multi-tasking, atmosphere, social cues, conflict resolution, and more. The benefits of learning horsemanship demonstrate accomplishments that increase self-confidence through the human horse connection.
Ground based therapeutic horsemanship helps individuals by:
increase self-awareness
increase self-esteem
demonstrate empathy
setting boundaries
managing stress or anxiety
interpersonal communication
trust
accountability
problem-solving skills
teamwork
conflict resolution
leadership skills
Therapeutic horsemanship can be effective for:
ADD/ADHD
Anxiety
Autism Spectrum
Cerebral Palsy
Depression
Developmental Delay
Down's Syndrome
Hearing Impairment
Speech delay/Non-Verbal
Stroke
Spina Bifida
Traumatic Brain Injury
Multiple Sclerosis
Visual Impairment
.......... and so much more!
No diagnosis?!?....no problem...Equine Discovery is an opportunity to experience the partnership of a horse for all abilities, no diagnosis required.
Equine Discovery opportunities are for any group interested in partnering with a horse for discovery, play or adventure.
More about Equine Discovery opportunities:
Equine Discovery is intended for any group large or small, with or without, a special need or disability. Opportunities are tailored to fit the needs of any group through partnership with the herd.
These hand crafted opportunities focus on learning horsemanship skills and how these skills and tools can incorporate into daily life to promote better communication, confidence, relaxation, and more!
Learn more about scheduling a Field Trip or an Equine Team Building event.
Email programs@wingsofhopehorses.org
for additional information and pricing.
Equine Discovery groups who could benefit:
Educators & Teachers
Proffesional Groups & Cohorts
Management
Leaders
Civic Groups
Board of Directors
Primary, Secondary, & Higher Education scholars
Scouts, Camp Fire, 4H, FFA, & extra curricular groups
Who we serve.....
Our therapeutic programs benefit individuals from 4-90+ with a variety of physical, cognitive, emotional, social, or a combination of these challenges.
Participants in mounted or ground based therapeutic horsemanship must have a diagnosis from a medical professional.
Email programs@wingsofhopehorses.org
for questions about the application, evaluation, or scheduling process.
