© Equine Therapy Associates: Is it Fun?

A successful graduate of the
Intensive Summer Therapy Course
Photo Credit: Carol Rae Hansen, 2008 All rights reserved

First Pony: Love
Photo Credit: Carol Rae Hansen, 2008 All rights reserved

No whisper of love, no trilling of bird, Can stir me as hooves of the horses have stirred.
Will H. Ogilvie

IS IT FUN?

It is well known that we learn best, and retain more, when we are challenged and stimulated. That reality is at the heart of ETA’s educational philosophy.

Each of our riders enjoys a fun-filled, albeit challenging, lesson. After grooming and tacking (interspersed with inter-active learning and stable management lessons), we start with stretching and toning exercises, including “around the world” circuits on the horse, ballet stretches, Simon-Says games, and elementary vaulting exercises. Sometimes vestibular stimulation is added to the warm-up. The lesson plan, tailored individually to each rider, then focuses on two major tasks for the day, reinforcing previous lessons. Games, demonstrations, practice on the lunge-line and observation are included. A cool-down and game follows, with reinforcement of previous lessons and questions and answers concluding the session.

Our 30 animals are all superb ambassadors to our visitors, and there is always plenty of time to end the lesson with a carrot for one’s mount, a cuddle with a cat, or a snuggle with the dogs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ETA at
(301) 651-6622 or info@equinetherapyassociates.com