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Programs
Utilizes the horse as a tool whereby the client learns to influence the horse. Goals are set by riding instructors, clients' teachers/parents for each individual, and evaluations are made based on achievement and progress. Clients achieve relaxation, physical and mental growth, auditory, visual and just have fun! Trained and loving volunteers are used for side walking and head walking the horse when needed.
Hippotherapy is a term that refers to the use of the movement of the horse as a treatment tool by Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech-Language Pathologists to address impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities in patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. Hippotherapy is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes. In hippotherapy, the patient engages in activities on the horse that are enjoyable and challenging. In the controlled hippotherapy environment, the therapist modifies the horse's movement and carefully grades sensory input. Specific riding skills are not taught (as in therapeutic horseback riding); but rather a foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing. This foundation can be generalized to a wide range of daily activities. Clients in this program are required to be evaluated by our therapy department. Appointments must be arranged through the ranch office.
Harness Driving is another program option at PHR. Carriage driving is in some ways more suitable than riding for some disabled people. "When I'm harness driving no one knows I've temporarily swapped my wheelchair for a horse and carriage. I'm just like everybody else." It is an asset to any therapeutic riding program for the young and senior clients. It provides:
Using plants and other natural materials in a horticultural environment such as a warm greenhouse has positive emotional, physical, mental, spiritual, and social benefits. Clients plant, cultivate, water, and care for many different gardens located on the ranch, consisting of flower, and sensory gardens. Crafts with clients are used year-round. We can always use volunteer help in this area.
A positive step forward in learning to care for others, to touch (tactile, sensory integration), and to be courageous in establishing personal relationships with animals and people. Clients are unconditionally loved by animals.
Specially designed programs in cooperation with group home adolescent centers. This includes working on maintenance of the ranch, animal husbandry, bonding with animals, learning basic horsemanship, and learning to volunteer with handicapped children and adults. Hard physical work relieves stress and teaches them to use their strength and aggressions appropriately. Feeding and caring for animals becomes a responsibility, and these youth are unconditionally accepted. Choosing a horse to care for, to tack, and to learn to ride, builds a sense of self-esteem and acceptance of another's authority. Some will graduate to a Peer-Tutor Program where they will step into shoes of authority themselves, and learn to serve others.
Praying Hands Ranch has been steadily growing. Currently we are contracting for the following job opportunities: URGENT NEEDS: NARHA Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (Part-time) Riding Instructors (who have worked with handicapped) qualified to begin the NARHA new Instructor Certification Process. Occupational or Physical Therapists with horsemanship experience for Hippotherapy (Part-time) Contact Praying Hands Ranch Office at 303-841-4043 (9:00 -
4:00 or leave a message) |
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