This class is where students participate in learning basic horsemanship (on and off the horse), basic horse care, equipment and tacking up. Most of our students start with this program.
Riding is offered as part of some classes, but it is not the focus of this class. We all experience complex issues that can leave us feeling unable to fully enjoy life. This program can help by giving a new self-awareness and allowing personal growth through relationships with horses. This class is designed to help our students build a lasting relationship with horse(s) and hopefully help with their other relationships in life.
This class is for able bodied students that are ready to become a rider. Classes incorporate basic ground training to create and build a bond between rider and horse. The program intentionally tracks at a slower pace than in a traditional riding school as we focus on both personal development and technical riding skills.
Physically, it is the horse’s movement which has a dynamic effect on the rider’s body. The horse stimulates the rider’s pelvis and trunk in a manner that closely resembles the normal gait of a human. This movement can be used to produce specific physical changes in the rider including normalization of muscle tone and improvements in posture, balance, coordination, and increased endurance.
Our HorsesThe horse and the riding environment offer a wide variety of input to participants. Movement exploration in the riding program contribute to the overall sensory experience.
The success of overcoming fear and anxiety and the ability to achieve riding and other related skills help individuals realize self-worth and increase self-esteem. For those involved with various activities of a therapeutic riding program, the companion animal bonding and development of new skills are critical components to the success of the experience offered. Relationships develop between participants, volunteers, horses, and staff and are an integral part of a positive, emotional experience provided by a therapeutic riding program.
The horse provides a strong motivator for participants. Riding lessons are designed to help achieve specific goals such as following multistep directions, staying on task, color, and number recognition, and reinforcing existing skills as well as learning new ones.
Sycamore Valley Equine Centers therapeutic riding programs and their associated activities provide an excellent opportunity for participants to interact with their peers, program volunteers and staff in a positive and enjoyable environment.
