THERAPEUTIC RIDING PROGRAM
Stampede of News......
"In riding a horse we borrow freedom"
~ Helen Thomson
Jan Daniels, 4-H Advisor for Bronc Busters 4-H Club and Equine Manager for Stampede of Dreams Therapeutic Riding Program, attended a workshop and testing to complete her certification as a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor. She traveled to the Cheff Center located in Augusta, Michigan for an intensive 4-day workshop and evaluation. Jan is now certified through PATH – the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, to teach riding lessons to adults and children with varying disabilities.
PATH is an internationally recognized certification program that requires candidates to demonstrate competency in a range of skills and knowledge. The process begins with the individual completing 25 teaching hours under the guidance of a current PATH Certified Riding Instructor. They must also pass 2 written tests on the subjects of the various disabilities and on the PATH standards of teaching therapeutic riding. When the candidate is fully prepared they must demonstrate their abilities in front of a panel of evaluators. They are required to demonstrate their horseback riding skills by riding a specific pattern. The candidate must then teach a lesson to individuals with disabilities while being observed by the evaluators. At the successful completion of all components, they join the elite group of Certified Instructors.
See you next year!
Templeton Thompson and her husband Sam Gay perform for Stampede of Dreams!
On Sunday May 30th singer songwriter Templeton Thompson performed a concert for Stampede of Dreams. She performed many of her songs including "Girls and Horses" A fantastic time was had by everyone!
Sandy Lovato Receives Her NARHA Certification
Program Director, Sandy Lovato attended a workshop and testing to complete her certification as a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor. She traveled to Central Kentucky Riding for Hope located in the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky for this intensive 3 day workshop and evaluation. Sandy had also attended a 5 week workshop at Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Program in Cleveland to prepare for her testing. Sandy is now certified through North American Riding for the Handicapped (NARHA) to teach riding lessons to adults and children with varying disabilities.
NARHA is a nationally recognized certification program that requires candidates to demonstrate competency in a range of skills and knowledge. The process begins with the individual completing 25 teaching hours under the guidance of a current NARHA Certified Riding Instructor. They must also pass 2 written tests on the subjects of the various disabilities and on the NARHA standards of teaching therapeutic riding. When the candidate is fully prepared they must demonstrate their abilities in front of a panel of judges. They are required to show horseback riding skills by riding a specific pattern. The candidate must then teach a lesson to individuals with disabilities while being observed by the evaluators. At the completion they join the elite group of Certified Instructors.
You do not need experience with horses to volunteer to help.
All volunteers have to attend a training session before they will be able to assist with the program. If you are interested in being added to our list of potential volunteers or to find out more information, please call Donna at (419) 681-0098
Community Serviced:
Our clients are both adults and children. All clients are screened by Stampede of Dreams to assess if they meet the safety criteria set forth by NARHA. SOD may also request a written prescription and an approval letter from their Doctor before being accepted into the program.
Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Visual Impairment, Spina Bifida, Down Syndrome, Mental Retardation, Autism, Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder, Emotional Disabilities, Deafness, Brain Injuries, Spinal Cord Injuries, Amputations, Cardivascular accident, and stroke.
