High Knoll Therapeutic Program
A POWERFUL BOND BETWEEN HORSE AND RIDER...
therapy_smile.jpg (47549 bytes)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
therapeutic_200.jpgNew 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:

  • ADD or other Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Amputee
  • At-risk Youth
  • Autism
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Developmental Delay or Disability
  • Down Syndrome
  • Emotional, Behavioral or Mental Health
  • Head Trauma/Brain Injury
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Learning Disability
  • Mental Retardation
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Paralysis
  • Orthopedic
  • Speech Impairment
  • Spina Bifida
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Substance Abuse
  • Terminal Illness
  • Visual Impairment
  • Weight Control Disorders

We are dedicated to addressing the needs of individuals with cognitive, emotional and behavioral challenges, as well as those individuals with physical disabilities.  HKTP can also work with families, group homes, residential faclities, hospitals, schools, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.  
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 than the enjoyment of the ride, which is inherently physically exciting.

therapeutic2_200.jpgWe 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 hkec_lesson6_200.jpg
  • 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 PROGRAM SERVICES
therapeutic3_200.jpgHigh Knoll Therapeutic Program offers lessons in Recreational Therapeutic Riding, Therapeutic Horsemanship, and Equine Facilitated Experiential Learning. Each student learns basic horsemanship skills and emphasis is placed on developing and refining physical and cognitive abilities needed to  control the horse independently in a variety of situations. Leisure and Recreational Riding provides opportunities for improved social interaction and exploration of the environment, with skill building to enhance general health and well being. Other 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 one's 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!

We are currently looking for volunteers for Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Become a sponsor! Sponsorship opportunities are available. More information coming soon. All donations are tax deductible.
RIDE WITH US
hkec_lesson13_200.jpgEmail us today to receive a 2010 Registration and Information packet to get you started on your way to enriching your life, or the life of a loved one, through horseback riding and related activities.  Horseback riding has been shown to have both physical and emotional benefits. The horse often serves as a strong motivator in helping individuals work through challenges to improve the quality of their lives. Lessons are taught on Tuesdays and Saturdays by NARHA Certified Instructors with a team of 1-3 volunteers acting as leaders and side walkers.

Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our membership as a NARHA member center and the use of only NARHA certified instructors. This means that High Knoll Therapeutic Program adheres to NARHA’s policies, standards and guidelines for providing a safe and fun environment for equine-assisted activities. (For more information on NARHA, visit their web site at www.NARHA.org).

 

 

*We are not yet able to accommodate riders who need wheelchair access*.