Who We Serve

SOME DISABILITIES SERVED: Cerebral palsy, downs syndrome, spina bifida, autism spectrum disorders, multiple sclerosis, developmental delays, learning disabilities, mental retardation, ADD, ADHD, behavioral disorders, hearing impairments, visual impairments, and speech impairments.

Equine Assisted Therapy’s Therapeutic Horseback Riding program is primarily geared towards pre-school and school aged children, although we do serve adults if we can safely meet their needs.

A therapeutic horseback riding student may need two or more volunteers, hand-over-hand assistance, continual verbal and/or physical support, and may be unable to perform the majority of tasks without assistance.

CLIENT CAPACITY: Safety and maximizing the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding are primary concerns of a successful therapeutic riding program. Due to the capacities of volunteer side walkers, lesson horses, insurance requirements and industry standards, Equine Assisted Therapy, Inc. accepts students for riding who meet the following criteria:

Between the ages of 5 - 21 years old.

Height and weight are proportional:
- Therapeutic Horseback Riding students combined weight must be less than 150 pounds.
- Horsin’ Around students must be balanced¹ with a combined weight less than 180 pounds.

NOTE: Each individual lesson horse has a maximum weight limit, which is the combination of the rider’s weight plus the weight of the saddle.

¹ A balanced rider is able to move with, and in time with, the horse’s movement. The rider’s position is comfortable for both the rider and the horse.

Require no assistance (instructor supervision only) to moderate assistance (from instructor &/or volunteers) for mounting/dismounting. The instructor &/or volunteers must be able to safely manage the client in any situation, including an emergency dismount.

Are able to be effectively supported by side walkers:
- Require no support to moderate support to maintain independent sitting balance while in the saddle at the halt (standing still) or at the walk (while the horse is moving).
- Able to hold his/her head against gravity, when sitting in the saddle at the halt (standing still) or at the walk (while the horse is moving).

An appropriate equine partner is available.

Appropriate volunteers are available.

CLIENT ACCEPTANCE: A prospective student is not a candidate for therapeutic riding if conditions exist that contraindicate horseback riding as determined by NARHA, or if a client is unable to adhere to Equine Assisted Therapy’s policies. EAT’s Executive Director will make the final determination of acceptance and appropriateness for any given client. Acceptance will be re-evaluated as necessary.

CLIENT STATUS: Students must inform EAT, in writing, immediately of any changes in health. This includes, but is not limited to, changes in weight, revised diagnoses, surgeries, etc. This information is requested on the annual rider registration form. Physician’s permission is required to participate, as well as to return to equestrian activities, after a surgical procedure, exacerbation/deterioration of condition, etc.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Horse and volunteer assignments are made at the instructor’s discretion.

In the event of an unforeseen horse illness/injury, or volunteer absence, a student may not be able to ride upon arrival.

We will not cancel classes in the case of inclement weather. “Barn lessons” are the alternative when weather conditions are unsuitable for riding.

Make-up lessons will be offered based on availability (i.e., another rider’s absence & an appropriate group to join), but are not guaranteed.

Clients are eligible for one (1) make-up lesson per session.

MISSED CLASSES/CANCELLATIONS:

There are no refunds for missed lessons. Your tuition holds your rider spot for the entire session, whether you participate or must miss a lesson.

If the weather is dangerous and we cancel classes, your tuition will be credited or refunded.

LATE ARRIVALS: Staff, volunteers and horses will wait 15 minutes after the scheduled start of a lesson. Students arriving more than 15 minutes last for a lesson will not be able to participate in the mounted lesson. If you know you are going to be late, please telephone the instructor as soon as possible.

CODE OF CONDUCT: Equine Assisted Therapy, Inc. reserves the right to refuse or discontinue service to any student who exhibits unsafe, unruly, or disrespectful behavior toward the staff, volunteers, horses or environment. Similarly, Equine Assisted Therapy, Inc. reserves the right to refuse or discontinue service to any student whose family member or caregiver exhibits unsafe, unruly, or disrespectful behavior toward the staff, volunteers, horses or environment.

Equine Assisted Therapy, Inc.

7908 Myers Road

Centerburg, Ohio 43011

740.625.9324