More Than Riding at CKRH
Equine Assisted Activities (EAA)
The 2007 Summer Newsletter included an informative article entitled “CKRH: An Overview of Programs”. This article described in detail Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy, Driving and Equine Assisted Growth and Learning. CKRH is continually seeking to expand the services offered to our Community. The following is a brief description of each activity CKRH plans to offer in 2008 and the proper definition of each. In the interest of clarity and consistency, NARHA’s Health and Education Committee has adopted a glossary to describe the activities and participation within a NARHA Center. Following is a brief description of each activity as provided by CKRH.
Equine Assisted Activities (EAA) is an umbrella term inclusive of all the various offerings of NARHA centers and all of the equine activities and therapies designed for people with disabilities or diverse needs. This term will be used by CKRH to accurately make global statements about center activities.
Therapeutic Riding (TR) is mounted activities including traditional riding disciplines or adaptive riding activities conducted by a NARHA certified instructor. At CKRH these activities are taught in private and group lessons during the day and evening May through October.
Hippotherapy (HPOT) is a physical, occupational or speech therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement. Services are provided by a licensed/credentialed PT, OT, SLP and are offered through a partnership with Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital on Tuesday and Friday May through October.
Therapeutic Driving is activities related to carriage driving conducted by a NARHA certified driving instructor. The driving program at CKRH provides individuals who may not be able to ride, due to contraindications, the experience of equine movement. Lesson times will vary depending on instructor/participant/equine availability between May and October.
Therapeutic Horsemanship is equine activities organized and taught by knowledgeable and skilled instructors to people with disabilities or diverse needs. Students progress in equestrian skills while improving their cognitive, emotional, social and behavioral skills. Horsemanship skills are taught in every non-therapist facilitated lesson at CKRH. Horsemaster and Pony Club lessons offered during the day and during non-riding seasons teach horsemanship skills in depth.
Competition is individual or team sports at the local, regional, national, or international level. This will be offered through Pony Club activities, Special Olympics and Paul Frazer Horse Show. Participants must meet eligibility requirements prior to entry.
Equine Facilitated Mental Health (EFMH) is inclusive of equine assisted activities and therapies with a focus on mental health issues. At CKRH these activities and therapies typically do not include riding or horsemanship skills and are lead by a licensed/credentialed mental health professional working with an appropriately credentialed equine professional. Examples of therapies are psychotherapy, marriage and family counseling and grief counseling. These services will be offered on weekdays as requested by partnering agencies.
Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) includes equine activities incorporating the experience of equine/human interaction in an environment of learning or self-discovery. EFL promotes personal exploration of feelings and behaviors in an educational format. It is conducted by a NARHA certified instructor, an educator or a therapist. Goals may be related to self-improvement, social interaction and/or education. At CKRH these activities do not include riding and may be lead by an educator, instructor or therapist.
Examples of the EFL academic programming include the Primary Literacy Unit designed for school age children and taught by a special education teacher and NARHA certified instructor. The primary purpose of this unit is to integrate reading and writing skills with social skills and problem-solving skills, while at the same time empowering students to seek new learning through rich experiences. The purpose of CKRH’s Equine-Assisted Preschool Program is to provide services to preschool-aged children that will develop and reinforce such skills as fine and gross motor, vocabulary (verbal and non-verbal communication), early literacy, integration of the tactile system and temporary separation from parents.
A second example of an EFL program at CKRH is the Horse Power Life Skills Program. This program is taught by a therapeutic recreational specialist and focuses on teaching daily life and social skills. The weekly two hour sessions will focus on problem solving skills, respecting boundaries, team work exercises, positive interactions with others, communication and trust.
A third example of EFL programming at CKRH is therapeutic retreats. These are typically single session non-mounted group activities. They will be offered on assigned days during the months of May, July and October. CKRH typically partners with other community organizations such as Parks and Recreation to provide these services.
Vocational Rehabilitation is equine related activities that may include work hardening, work re-entry or vocational exploration. Participants are young adults or adults. CKRH partners with high schools and other organizations to provide these services on a limited basis during the day.
