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T
herapeutic riding and other equine related therapies may help clients in several areas.
It can complement existing therapies or stand alone as a valuable therapeutic
tool. Main Stay currently
is working with a wide and diverse group of students. Ranging in age from 3 to the middle 50’s,
they roll, walk and run into the barn. Regardless of how someone
comes through our doors, once inside the focus is always based on abilities. Each student has an individualized
lesson plan established by a team that can consist of any number of the following:
certified riding instructor, a consulting therapist, the rider’s own
goals and desires, along with input from their family, personal medical team,
and educators. The ability
of our team to find someone’s strength and abilities is paramount to
the success of each student at Main Stay.
People with
Physical Challenges...
.
Children and adults living with
challenges such as cerebral palsy, stroke, traumatic brain injuries,
paralysis, hearing & vision impairments, congenital birth deficiencies
can benefit directly from the movement of the horse. These lessons are structured to focus
primarily on the physical gains that can come about using the movement, energy
and power of the horse. Riding
is an exercise that challenges and impacts the entire body. It works every muscle group in the
body, oxygenates the bloodstream, and stimulates the nervous system in a
healthy way. People find it a fun
and challenging way to improve muscle strength and tone, reduce muscle spasticity,
improve balance and range of motion. Posture and overall physical health
can both be improved. Fine
and gross motor skills may also be refined and sharpened – all from the
back of a horse. These improvements can often help
people with their needs for every day living.
People with Developmental
Challenges...
.
 People living with developmental
challenges such as the autism spectrum, Down’s syndrome, and a variety
of developmental diagnoses find the immediate feedback from the horse helpful
and beneficial. Lessons can be
specifically structured to enhance learning, educational and social
skills. Often times
students find new ways to cope, learn and respond to a world that often finds
them “stuck’ on the outside. The ability to communicate ones
needs to the horse and respond to the horses actions help develop patience
and appropriate responses, plus the ability to adapt and change. Often the physical exercise is
an added bonus to this group of students who may find it difficult to
participate in other activities.
For People Overcoming
Extreme Diversity, Abuse or Emotional Trauma...
.
For anyone living in a world
where trust, self esteem, or self control is being built, they can often find
healing through the partnerships at Main Stay. Often they find new friends –
first in the horse and then in the strong, supporting team of instructor and
volunteers. Lessons are
structured to highlight the horse’s unique and instant feedback from
human communication. This often provides
an opportunity for new self awareness when students experience how their
actions whether physical or verbal, strong or passive - influence the
horse. This awareness can often
translate to how they are dealing with people and life lessons may be learned. The non-judgmental horse, combined
with Main Stay’s supportive team and inspiring setting can be a safe
haven – a place to feel secure, trusted, positive and in control.
Field Trips and Summer Camps...
.
Main Stay has developed two field trip
opportunities for people that are “able-bodied” to see the world
through the eyes of someone living with the challenges discussed above. Learning not just to “accept”
differences, but to celebrate and embrace them can open up a whole new
world. Our students can teach all
of us many important lessons. Come out to the farm and experience how
to truly “walk in someone else’s shoes” – or roll in their chair…
Specialized field trips for special education
school groups can be arranged on a limited basis. Summer camps may also be offered
if there is sufficient time in the schedule and funding available.
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