The High Knoll
Therapeutic Program is founded on the belief that horses provide unique and innovative
opportunities that maximize the therapeutic experience for riders with all types of
challenges. We offer a safe and supportive environment so clients of all ages can have a
fulfilling and motivating experience. High Knoll Therapeutic Program is run by New England
Care and Development Fund 501c and out of High Knoll Equestrian Center. The program
provides recreational horseback riding and equine assisted opportunities for children and
adults with special needs. We give riders the chance for learning, exercise, and fun with
horses by promoting the advantages of therapeutic riding.
MISSION
New England Equine Care
and Development Fund 501(c) is a non-profit organization designed to provide enhanced
equine care and equestrian education using the horse as the primary teaching tool through
hands on educational programming, exhibitions, horse care and training, recreational
riding, and therapy for all ages.
WHO WE SERVE
Our NARHA certified instructors and equine
"co-therapists" can safely provide benefits to individuals with the following
challenges:
Mentally and Emotionally Impaired
Developmental Delay
Down's Syndrome
Emotional Disability
Hearing Impairment
Learning Disability
ADD, ADHD
Mental Retardation
Multiple Sclerosis
Seizure Disorder
Spinal Cord Injury
Stroke
Visual Impairment
BENEFITS
This is way more
than a pony ride... Our therapeutic program provides healthy exercise to individuals
with disabilities by allowing them to participate in the sport of horseback riding in a
loving a rewarding environment. However, there is much more to therapeutic riding then the
enjoyment of the ride, which is inherently physically exciting.
We know that
therapeutic riding offers the following:
Improves balance and coordination
Provides passive stretch for tight muscles
Replicates a muscle movement pattern like that of walking
Improves posture
Strengthens muscles by encouraging muscular response
Increases awareness of one's body in space
Stimulates the vesicular, nervous and circulatory systems
Improves range of motion
All these measurable physical benefits come without the rider even being aware of what
is happening. The benefits are not only physical in nature, there are emotional and
psychological benefits as well. Therapeutic riding reinforces standards of behavior such
as:
Teaches trust through the rider/horse bond
Teaches problem solving skills
Increases self-confidence and self-discipline
Teaches the use of patience to control the horse
Enhances decision making skills
Promotes responsibility and cooperation
Increases the ability to focus and stay on task
Provides an increase in self-esteem and pride
Instills a sense of accomplishment
THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMS SERVICES
High Knoll Therapeutic
Program offers lessons in Sport Therapy where each student learns basic
horsemanship skills and emphasis is placed on developing and refining physical and
cognitive abilities needed to independently control the horse is a variety of situations. Leisure
and Recreational Riding provides opportunities for improved social interaction
and exploration of the environment with some skill building to enhance general health and
well being. Different aspects of equine facilitated therapy can include riding, grooming,
stable management, and recreational games played on horseback. The best part is they all
encourage effort and develop a positive attitude and sense of well being and
accomplishment.
Our certified instructors will create a customized program based on the
individual’s needs and goals. All sessions emphasize comfort, fun, learning, and
safety. Our co therapists, the horses themselves, are carefully selected for their nature,
good health, and compatibility with each client. Empowerment and healing can occur as one
develops or regains control of ones life, enhanced by the joy experienced from the special
bond with the horses.
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
Volunteer with us!
The High Knoll Therapeutic Program welcomes volunteers with or without horse experience.
The only requirements are a love of horses and helping people, being a minimum of 14 years
old, and attending a 2 hour Volunteer Training Workshop. Volunteers work in various ways
to support the therapeutic team. Our dedicated volunteers are an important part of our
team. Please contact us for more information!
Become a
sponsor!Sponsorship opportunities are available. More information
coming soon. All donations are tax deductible.
*We are not yet able to accommodate riders who need
wheelchair access*.
The High Knoll
Therapeutic Program is founded on the belief that horses provide unique and innovative
opportunities that maximize the therapeutic experience for riders with all types of
challenges. We offer a safe and supportive environment so clients of all ages can have a
fulfilling and motivating experience. High Knoll Therapeutic Program is run by New England
Care and Development Fund 501c and out of High Knoll Equestrian Center. The program
provides recreational horseback riding and equine assisted opportunities for children and
adults with special needs. We give riders the chance for learning, exercise, and fun with
horses by promoting the advantages of therapeutic riding. 
New England Equine Care
and Development Fund 501(c) is a non-profit organization designed to provide enhanced
equine care and equestrian education using the horse as the primary teaching tool through
hands on educational programming, exhibitions, horse care and training, recreational
riding, and therapy for all ages. 
This is way more
than a pony ride... Our therapeutic program provides healthy exercise to individuals
with disabilities by allowing them to participate in the sport of horseback riding in a
loving a rewarding environment. However, there is much more to therapeutic riding then the
enjoyment of the ride, which is inherently physically exciting. 
High Knoll Therapeutic
Program offers lessons in Sport Therapy where each student learns basic
horsemanship skills and emphasis is placed on developing and refining physical and
cognitive abilities needed to independently control the horse is a variety of situations. Leisure
and Recreational Riding provides opportunities for improved social interaction
and exploration of the environment with some skill building to enhance general health and
well being. Different aspects of equine facilitated therapy can include riding, grooming,
stable management, and recreational games played on horseback. The best part is they all
encourage effort and develop a positive attitude and sense of well being and
accomplishment.
