What To Expect

When you arrive you will be greeted by the session leader or one of the volunteers. Your rider will be asked to wear an ASTM/SEI certified riding helmet that we will provide for the session if they do not have their own. The horse that has been chosen for your child will be brought up to the mounting platform. The session leader will assist your rider onto the horse while the horse leader and side-walker help get them CeCEinto position.

A typical session is 30 minutes long, which includes mounting and dismounting time. Sessions include stretching exercises, eye-hand coordination tasks, left/right crossing the midline movements, strengthening exercises, and games, all while on horseback. The rider is asked to do everything to each directions to improve both sides equally. As they progress they will start working on basic riding skills. Parkwood Farms has a ¾ mile, wooded trail that is decorated to stimulate conversation, as well as the senses. Nature provides the perfect blend of smells, sights, sounds, and uneven surfaces for a well rounded experience.

The riders will work on many skills including, but not limited to counting and color, shape, and animal recognition. The walk on the trail includes a visit with the resident goats, the noodles, and the clip clop of the horse’s hooves over the wooden bridge. Each Riding session, either Equine Assisted Activities or Therapeutic Riding, is tailored to meet the needs of each individual. We will include goals from their IEP or ISP into their sessions when provided. Some riders do not enjoy the structure of the exercises and games. They obtain most benefit experiencing the movement of the horse and taking in the calmness of their surroundings.

At the end of the session the horse will line up on the center line of the covered arena and the rider will be assisted to dismount. A volunteer will return you child to you at the top of the mounting platform.

Please contact us at 833-344-6821 or email us if you have any questions.