1. Getting Started
First please complete all paperwork included in this package. Once your paperwork has been received and processed new Participants will be contacted to set up a time for an evaluation with one of our therapists or if a returning Participant to schedule your riding time. If you are a returning Participant your re-evaluation, if needed, will be completed during your first riding session.
All new Participants need to schedule an evaluation time prior to services being offered.
There will be a $35.00 annual registration fee for all Participants. Evaluation fees are $100 (see billing information for more details on fees).
2. Programs
HETRA offers Adaptive Riding, Adaptive Driving, Equine Assisted Learning, and Therapy Services Programs. There is a description of each program below. At the time of your Participant evaluation, one of our therapists will discuss each program with you and make a recommendation as to which program is most appropriate for the Participant.
Session Length for mounted participants is described below: It is up to the instructors’ discretion to decrease the length of a session for any reason including the following: Participant fatiguing, Participant medical problems, Participant complaining of discomfort, Participant being unbalanced, Participant behavior problems, horse fatigue or other horse-related problems.
If a horse problem occurs, we will attempt to complete your session time, if possible, on another horse. Instructors will attempt to evaluate each individual Participant needs and continue the session if possible. On occasion, your participant may participate in an unmounted ground activity if there is a horse shortage or extreme weather. These activities will be designed to challenge and increase your participant’s knowledge about horses & horse care.
- Adaptive Riding Program: Adaptive Riding Participants are scheduled to ride in groups once a week for either 30 minutes if there are 2 or fewer participants in the group or 45 minutes if there are 3 participants. Adaptive Riding Participants must be at least 4 years old. All Adaptive Riding Participants are instructed or supervised by PATH, Intl. certified riding instructors. The goals for this program focus on horsemanship skills and leisure activities but can incorporate life skills as well. Participants are screened by a therapist and their programs are periodically reviewed by the therapist for changes.
- Therapy Services: Participants in this program will participate 1-3 times per week with the time frame and number of times per week being recommended by the therapist, physician, and family. Therapy Services Participants must be at least 2 years old. A licensed OT, PT, Mental Health Practitioner, SLP, PTA, or COTA will conduct these sessions. The goals for this program focus on functional ability.
- Adaptive Carriage Driving Program: Participants will participate once per week for 30 minutes. These will be individual sessions instructed by a PATH, Intl. certified driving instructor. Participants are evaluated and periodically reviewed by one of our therapists.
- Group Activity Program (GAP): Participants in this program will participate 1-3 times per week with the time frame and number of times per week being recommended by the therapist, physician, and family. GAP Participants must be at least 4 years old. A licensed OT, PT, Mental Health Practitioner, SLP, PTA, or COTA will conduct these sessions in a group setting. The goals for this program focus on functional ability.
- Equine Assisted Learning: Participants engage in hands-on learning that utilizes the horse as a partner in exploring positive development of communication, self-respect, confidence, trust, accountability, and conflict resolution. Sessions incorporate a variety of groundwork and general horsemanship activities such as grooming, leading, and herd observation. The Equine-Assisted Learning programs can be tailored to specific individuals, populations, groups, or organizations. Please note that the EAL program is strictly a groundwork (no riding) program
3. Participant Dismissal & Discharge Policy
It is at the discretion of HETRA’s Staff to accept or remove a Participant from the program. The results of a risk/benefit analysis will also be considered. Participants who do not adhere to the rules and procedures or meet the guidelines for eligibility are subject to dismissal or discharge.
Possible grounds for dismissal may include but are not limited to: conduct endangering another Participant or staff or the horse, conduct endangering themselves, consistent failure to follow safety procedures with respect to the horses & facility, a gain in weight above the HETRA maximum levels, frequent cancellations or no shows. The development of a contraindicated condition or the deterioration of a condition to the point horseback riding is no longer beneficial or could be harmful to the participant or where safety for the Participant or others has become a concern.
Participants at HETRA shall have no history of inappropriate behavior with fire or any tendencies or history of abuse or violence directed toward other people or animals. HETRA reserves the right to deny services to any individual based upon concerns for the applicant’s safety and/or the safety of the horses, volunteers, staff, facility, or for other reasons in accordance with PATH, Intl. operating center guidelines.
No Participant will be dismissed without an opportunity to discuss the reasons with supervisory staff. The Participant may at any time, for whatever reason, decide to sever the Participant's relationship with HETRA. Notice of such a decision should be communicated as soon as possible.
4. Weight Limitations for All Participants
Maximum weights are listed below, but decisions regarding participation will be based on the availability of a suitable horse related to the height, weight, cognition, and balance of the participant. The maximum weight for participants cannot exceed 220 pounds. Each horse has individual weight limitations based on the horse’s weight, age, and physical condition. Not all horses can manage the maximum weights listed below. The weight limit may be lowered as determined by available equines and the ability of staff and volunteers to safely support the participant at the time services are requested. HETRA staff will evaluate the participant’s weight and physical abilities to determine if riding is a safe and appropriate activity based on available equine, staff, and volunteers. Weights are checked once every 12 weeks using the HETRA scales with participants wearing the appropriate riding gear.
- 220 lbs. for a well-balanced centered Participant not requiring sidewalkers.
- 180 lbs. for an unbalanced Participant needing sidewalker assistance.
5. Scheduling of a weekly riding time for new Participants
Once the initial evaluation is completed, we will make a program recommendation for your Participant and then determine if we have a current opening in the HETRA schedule that is suitable to meet your Participants needs. If an opening does not currently exist, then we will put your Participant on a waiting list and you will be notified as soon as an opening becomes available. Riding sessions are typically offered late afternoon to evening on weekdays and mornings on Saturdays.
6. Attire
No open-toe shoes, sandals or clog-type shoes. No slick (jogging type) pants. It is preferred that the Participant wear pants instead of shorts as the saddle can get very uncomfortable with direct skin contact. In the winter, please dress in layers.
7. Children
All children under the age of 12 must be monitored and in the direct vision of the adult at all times while at the facility. Please review the barn rules with your children prior to arriving at the barn.
8. Dogs and other Animals
Dogs and other animals are not permitted at the barn. The exception to this rule is service animals. Please let your instructor know if you will be bringing a service animal to the session with you.
Thank you so much for your interest in our programs. We look forward to working with you. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the HETRA office at 402-359-8830.