Equine Facilitated Learning
An experiential program with hands-on work, primarily partnering with the horse to learn more about oneself and develop life skills.…
Equine-assisted services(EAS) incorporates equine activities and/or the equine environment into therapeutic sessions. EAS can include riding, mounted or ground activities, grooming, stable work, games, activities, sensory trail, or obstacles. Service goals are related to the client’s needs and the medical professional’s standards of practice. EAS involves clients, volunteers, and instructors.
Horses of Hope’s (HOH) staff is very skilled in developing, adapting and expanding equine assisted services to address emotional, physical, cognitive and behavioral challenges. Clients we work with might have one or more physical and cognitive disabilities including: ADHD, cerebral palsy, spinal cord and brain injury, muscular dystrophy, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, attention deficit disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and hearing and visual impairment.
Spending time with a horse is a beneficial activity for anyone challenged with a physical, cognitive, emotional or behavioral disability. In the United States, approximately 1 in 4 people have some kind of developmental challenge that significantly impacts their daily life. Equine assisted services are one option for helping those individuals.
The uniqueness of equine assisted activities lies in the strengths of a horse. For example, the gait of a horse has been shown to benefit certain individuals. A horse has gaits that are three dimensional – enabling the rider to experience:
up/down
forward/backward
side-to-side motion
This unique movement simultaneously stimulates nerves, muscles, and brain activity.
Equestrian activities:
improve physical functionality – balance, strength, coordination
improve emotional functionality – focus, self-awareness, empathy
improve social well-being – confidence, mobility, independence.
Equine Assisted services promote health for the mind, body and soul, and support the physical and emotional needs of our clients.
Horses of Hope Oregon’s goal is to partner with our horses to improve the lives of our clients, providing support in the pursuit of health, happiness and healing through horses.
To learn more about becoming a client:
email [email protected] or call the office at 503-743-3890
