Therapeutic Horsemanship is taught by a PATH Intl Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and is conducted in a group or semi-private setting. These sessions are aimed to teach participants horsemanship, and by extension, life skills. Benefits of Therapeutic Horsemanship include the development of cognitive, physical and social skills. Group classes are organized by age, type of disability and level of riding skill. Therapeutic Horsemanship may be offered in both mounted, and unmounted sessions depending on the need of our participants.
Equine Assisted Therapy (formerly Hippotherapy) is conducted by a licensed therapist, who is registered with the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA). CTRC contracts Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists and Physical Therapists. Each participant works one-on-one with their therapist allowing for intensive therapy directed specifically at the participant’s individual therapy needs and goals. These sessions should be considered the same as a clinical setting, but using the horse as a modality for the therapy.
Equine Assisted Mental Health is an experiential psychotherapy session conducted by a licensed mental health professional (LPCC) who also is certified through PATH Intl as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL). A horse is used in conjunction with clinical therapy on the ground (not mounted). Horses mirror our emotional state and provide us with honest, in the moment, feedback. The presence and connection with the horse is used as a metaphor for our personal lives, relationships, and past experiences. These psychotherapy sessions may be conducted one-on-one or in a group setting.