Serving Challenged Equestrians in the Seacoast since 1989

Program Goals:   Goals are developed with input from parents/ clients / therapists... but the following are a few of the common elements that are worked into the overall goal of teaching the client riding and / or horsemanship skills.

1. Safety:  During all times, activities will be conducted in a manner that is as safe as possible for the student, horse and volunteers.  The UNH Therapeutic Riding Program is a Premier accredited program of NARHA and follows strict procedures for conducting lessons in a safe environment.
2. Strength & flexibility:  The student will conduct certain physical tasks as a part of riding therapy that will aid in developing general physical fitness.
3. Balance and Rhythm:  Students will experience stimulation of the inner ear through the natural movement of the horse thereby improving his/ her balance and rhythm.  The natural walking movement of the horse stimulates muscles and sensor systems that mimic the natural walking movements of the student and can aid in the students development in walking.
4. Spatial organization:  The student will develop the ability to move and direct the horse within a given area and will understand & respond appropriately to right, left, up, down, forward and backward.
5. Sensory awareness:  The student will develop sensory awareness and integration from both the stimuli elicited by the horse and through the challenge of executing specific motor tasks.
6. Comprehension:  The student will develop the ability to use judgment and reasoning in riding and working with the horse and related equipment.
7. Time and sequence:  The student will develop an awareness of time concepts and will develop the ability to perform tasks in sequential order.
8. Cognitive development:  The student will further his / her knowledge of the alphabet, counting and mathematics as well as horsemanship where appropriate.
9. Confidence and self-esteem:  The student is interacting with a large animal who is responsive to them and who they can be in control of.  This raises their self-esteem and confidence which can transfer outside of the riding arena.