Click the following links to learn about specific programs offered at STAR.
Our therapeutic riding program is designed to meet the specific needs of each participant. The prescribed program may include grooming, saddling, and learning riding skills or may be passive in nature. With some riders we position them so the movement of the horse can relax tight muscles, increase range of motion, improve trunk stability, and balance. These individuals are not learning riding skills but they are reaping great benefits just from being on the horse.
Riders participate one time per week for each session. Spring and Fall sessions are ten weeks/Summer is eight weeks/Winter is six weeks and Mini Term is two weeks with lessons three times a week. There is a maximum of four riders per group lesson. The one hour lessons are divided into two sections:
30 minutes of ground work which includes grooming, tacking, and mounting and 30 minutes of mounted work which includes exercises, riding skills, and games/activities.
• The groundwork part of the lesson is vital for maximizing the therapeutic benefits of the program. Not only is this where the rider experiences responsibility and discipline, but also the satisfaction that comes with caring for another living being. Grooming and tacking (putting the saddle and equipment on) are an integral part of the program that addresses the following developmental areas: fine and gross motor skills, spatial awareness, vocabulary, motor planning, sequencing, memory, endurance, attention span, hand/eye coordination, bilateral involvement, balance, crossing midline and muscle strengthening.
• The mounted segment of the lesson includes exercises, riding skills and games. Being astride a horse challenges the rider in these areas: balance, coordination, fine and gross motor skills, right and left handedness, motor planning, sequencing, communication, body awareness, muscle strength, flexibility, vestibular stimulation, teamwork, socialization, and self-esteem. Periodic trail rides are taken by those capable of experiencing the "ups and downs" of horseback riding and the true recreational capacity of this activity.
Benefits of Therapeutic Riding
Balance, coordination and muscle tone improve through exercises done on horseback. Psychological benefits include increased independence, motivation and self-control. Vocabulary development and sequential learning contribute to cognitive gains, and self-esteem soars as the riders learn to control their mounts. The recreational aspect of STAR's program proves invaluable for these special persons who normally cannot participate in conventional sports.
Competition
One goal at STAR is to enable our riders to become as independent as possible and to challenge them to retain and use what they learn. Competition gives them that opportunity. It also allows them to show off! STAR riders participate in several shows annually.
Drill Team
The award winning STAR Drill Team currently consists of independent riders who ride intricate patterns set to music. The team members must know where their partner is at all times to synchronize their movements. They travel to shows as ambassadors for STAR as well as participate in competitions.
Interactive Vaulting
Interactive Vaulting involves one horse and up to six participants, each taking turns completing gymnastic-type positions on the moving horse. It is a unique and growing sport that is a wonderful way to work in harmony with a group and the equine partner. The vaulting horse is specially trained to work on a longeing circle at the walk, trot, and canter. Vaulting is primarily comprised of 6 compulsory maneuvers and countless freestyle moves that can be created and mixed to reflect individual style.
In the therapeutic setting, vaulting has numerous benefits to the participants that challenge the rider with each turn. Through the use of games and group activities participants have fun while building skills including but not limited to:
• Teamwork
• Gross/fine motor planning
• Balance
• Strength
• Creativity
• Body awareness (pictures of vaulting)
• Concentration
• Coordination
• Endurance
• Communication
• Competition
• Sensory integration
• Confidence
• Trust
• Problem solving
• Flexibility
• Memory
The stationary vaulting barrel is also a key element in the interactive vaulting setting as it allows participants to practice their moves without compromising the comfort of the horse. The barrel also helps build confidence for new vaulters while closely duplicating the height and size of a real horse.
If
you are interested in applying for the program call 865-988-4711
