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What Is Equine-Assisted Therapy?

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Horses and domesticated animals have been used as a medical treatment since the second century. Equine-assisted activities and therapies are designed for people with disabilities or diverse needs. 

 

PATH® International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) defines therapeutic riding as, "an equine-assisted activity for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with special needs. Therapeutic riding provides benefits in the areas of health, education, sport, and recreation and leisure".

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Currently, there are 26 medical uses for horses to help in the treatment of orthopedic, neurological, learning, speech, psychological, and even working with victims of physical and sexual abuse.  

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There are well-documented benefits for physical, cognitive, and emotional health using these types of programs.

What We Do At Tri-State Therapeutic Riding Center

At Tri-State we try to tailor our programming to fit the needs of anyone coming through our doors. 

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We are a PATH® International Member Center, (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) which means our instructors adhere to a rigorous program of equine-assisted therapeutic methods and training.

•  Reinbow Riders

•  Therapeutic Carriage Driving

•  Horses for Heroes

•  Reinbow Rehabilitation

•  Taking The Lead

•  Mindful Riding

•  Mini Manes & Tails

•  Horse Shows

•  Horse Camps for Kids

PROGRAMS

JESSICA T.

para dressage athlete

"This remarkable young woman was an able-bodied rider her whole life, and then the unthinkable happened when she underwent a double amputation.
 
 But she is unstoppable - her goal is to compete at the Olympic level for para dressage and is well on her way in the classification progress. Jessica clearly faces emotional battles and her horse Albert and Tristate Therapeutic Riding Center creates calm in the storm."

ADOPTED SISTERS

a journey to self awareness

"The girls worked through our Taking the Lead program learning skills such as trust, boundaries and honesty, communication, forgiveness, teamwork, sensitivity and consideration. During a session, one sister realized the horse felt unsafe and needed affirmation and patience from her so he could relax and trust her to overcome something scary and challenging. As we walked back to the barn she articulated how similar struggles affect her relationship with her sister and adopted mom and how she sees how her actions need to change."

THE FORGE 

teen boy learning to succeed

“I learned that Stinky (horse) is really stubborn, and he is just like me.
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 “It was really rewarding when he finally listened to what I was trying to get him to do and I felt accomplished.” 
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What Do You Want To Achieve?

1 / Mental + Physical Improvements Through Riding

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Reinbow Riders is our general therapeutic riding program, and can help work on fine/gross motor skills, sensory processing, following directions, balance and much more. In this program, the focus is on providing positive cognitive, emotional, and recreational experiences to those with different abilities. We offer riding lessons adapted to the needs of the rider to help them reach riding and life goals. 
 
This program is best suited for those who want to work on fine motor skills, balance, sensory processing, social skills,  problem-solving, responsibility, following directions, and other goals. 


Ages: 4+
Group Lesson Cost: $25

Private Lesson Cost: $35

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2 / Mental + Physical Improvements, Non-Riding

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Therapeutic Carriage Driving offers a different interaction with our equine friends. This type of program

offers individuals with physical, mental, sensory, or emotional conditions the rewards of interaction and

control of a horse or pony while driving from a carriage seat or in their own wheelchair. Our therapeutic

carriage driving also provides students the opportunity to " find their voice" due to the verbal communication

required. Carriage driving gives our participants a riding alternative, which opens up the world of horses to

those who may be unable to ride due to weight, balance, fatigue, allergies, asthma, fear of heights, the

inability to sit astride, or other issues. It can also provide the student with a unique movement experience. 
 

This program is best suited for those who want to learn teamwork, improve speech and communication, and

develop a greater understanding of cause-and-effect relationships. The physical benefits include increased

core strength and posture, improved balance, and greater fine and gross motor skills development

among others. 

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Group Therapeutic Carriage Driving Cost: $35         Group Mindful Carriage Driving Cost: $45

Private Therapeutic Carriage Driving Cost: $45        Private Mindful Carriage Driving Cost $55

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3 / Help For Veterans

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Horses for Heroes is designed to assist our Nation's heroes. Whether it be a disabled Veteran who needs assistance or a Veteran struggling with PTSD, we would be honored to work with you. 

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Each Veteran's program session is tailored toward their goals and needs. Generally, this will be a combination of mounted and unmounted equine therapy.This program is open only to current or retired members of the US Armed Forces.

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For more information, please call or email us. 

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4 / Physical Improvements


Reinbow Rehabilitation offers pediatric physical and occupational therapy services in conjunction with

therapists from The Speech & Hearing Center of Chattanooga and Can Do Kids clinics.


The Physical Therapist (PT) will concentrate on the child's movement goals. The PT will create specific

exercise interventions to improve the way your child moves, in coordination with riding the horse to improve

balance, core strength, and flexibility.

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An Occupational Therapist (OT) will focus on your child's goals relating to carrying out their everyday

activities. OTs will usually recommend specialized equipment or suggest different ways of performing tasks

that might help your child perform their activities of daily living.

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Reinbow Rehabilitation is best suited for children who need to acquire, rebuild and develop skills that lead to a

life of greater independence and happiness. We work with children living with all types of special needs.

Ages: 4 years+ through 18 years. 

This program only meets Mondays and Wednesdays.  Most major insurances are accepted. 

 

 

5 / Improving Emotional Health


Taking the Lead Program is for at-risk teens and their families that provides the tools they need to achieve their goals. Taking the Lead is our unmounted group therapy program. 

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In this program, you will literally take the lead and discover more about yourself and others as you work with your horse. Best suited for those needing trauma- focused work or DBT, but may prefer an environment outside of an office.

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This program is generally organized through in/out-patient programs, schools, or referrals and works in conjunction with clinical therapy. It is best suited to help at-risk teens and families following DBT models, but find that working on their issues outside of an office is preferable.

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Please call for rates or to discuss your program needs. 

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6/ Building Character

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Mindful Riding is a program that aims to increase confidence, self-esteem, friendships, and responsibility. Horses are therapeutic for anyone, and there is no doubt horses contribute to character building. 

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Our compassionate and skilled trainers help riders set appropriate goals. By setting the rider up for success, our Mindful Riding program helps build confidence, self-esteem and a sense of responsibility. Riders become a part of our close-knit barn family, feel at home and have a sense of belonging when they are here.

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Horse Show opportunities are a chance to test one's confidence, work through anxieties, and feel like part of a team. 

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Best for children or adults who are working to manage feelings of introversion and anxiety or improve their self-esteem.  Some of our participants include those who just need a little extra time or a different method of explanation to process information, or who struggle to make friends. They may not fit in easily with other recreational programs or sports. 

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Group: $35

Private: $45

 

Call or email to set up a tour or register. 

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