Owl Ridge Equestrian Center is proud to have two therapeutic programs at our facility operating under the nonprofit Owl Patch Therapy, Inc. These nonprofit programs are in place to give residents of our community the ability to interact with horses in a positive environment, to help them work through pain or trauma, and/or improve their motor or verbal skills. Please take a moment to review each program below to determine which one will be best suited for you or your child.
Your 501(c)3 tax deductible donations provide sponsorships for therapeutic students and program participants, assists with the care of the horses, and provides support for the overall program operation. EIN 82-4680535
Social and Emotional Learning
What is SEL?
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is defined as a process for helping children gain critical skills for life effectiveness, such as developing positive relationships, behaving ethically, and handling challenging situations effectively (Zins et al., 2007). Specifically, strategies that foster SEL help children to recognize and manage emotions, think about their feelings and how they should act and regulate behavior based on thoughtful decision making. Occupational therapists sue meaningful activities to help children and youth participate in what they need and or want to do in order to promote physical and mental health and wellbeing.
SEL is an Occupational Therapy based experience with focus on social and emotional growth by building relationships and developing skills through equine assisted activities. Our SEL program focuses on healing relationships and is offered in 10-week sessions. The 10-week program provides the participant with one 1-hour session per week with a consistent mentor and horse at each session. Research shows that consistent relationship with a horse and mentor over this period of time can create a healing bond for those enrolled in our SEL program. Our Occupational Therapist collaborates with an educator or counselor to create a client centered plan of care consistent with the goals for each participant in the program and work throughout the season on life skill development. We work together with our horses and volunteers to encourage a safe environment that fosters therapeutic, healing relationships.
WHY COMBINE HORSES WITH SEL?
Horses have the ability to support healing. Horses are prey animals and are constantly aware of their environment. They are very intuitive and can reflect the brain of a trauma-affected human. Often times they know how we’re feeling even before we do, which contributes to the horse being a great partner for healing and growth.
Population Served
There is no age restriction and our Occupational Therapist will work with the individual to be sure our program is a good fit. If the individual is outside our scope of service, we will work to refer to another program.
Services Conducted By
Services are conducted by a Licensed Occupational Therapist & Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) Registered Certified Instructors who have a strong equine background as well as an understanding of various disabilities. Instructors and Volunteers work closely with clients to ensure safe sessions. A new SEL client is generally assisted by a mentor and our Occupational Therapist. Owl Ridge Equestrian Center is a PATH International Accredited Facility.
Therapeutic Riding
Population Served
Owl Patch Therapeutic Programs serves children (4 years and older) and adults with various disabilities. There are several precautions and contraindications, but we work with the individual and family to ensure our program is a good fit. If the participant’s needs are outside our scope of service, we will work to refer to another program.
Services Conducted By
Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) Registered Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (TRI) who have a strong equine background as well as an understanding of various disabilities. Instructors and Volunteers work closely with riders to ensure safe riding sessions. A new rider is generally assisted by two side walkers and a horse leader.
THERAPEUTIC RIDING SESSIONS AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK
~ 30-minute private lesson ~ 60-minute group lesson (no more than 4 riders in a group lesson)
WHO CAN BENEFIT (LISTING OF SPECIAL NEEDS BUT NOT LIMITED TO)
~ Amputations ~ Attention Deficit Disorder ~ Autism ~ Brain Injuries ~ Cerebral Palsy ~ Cerebrovascular ~ Deafness ~ Developmental Delay/Cognitive Delay ~ Down Syndrome ~ Emotional Disabilities ~ Learning Disabilities ~ Multiple Sclerosis ~ Muscular Dystrophy ~ Sensory Issues ~ Spina Bifida ~ Spinal Cord Injuries ~ Visual Impairment ~ Accident/Stroke
Click here to learn more about the American Occupational Therapy Association
Click here to learn more about the American Hospital Association
Click here to learn more about PATH
