**Our apologies: Our Heavenly Hooves program for individuals with special needs is full. And due to the length of our wait list, we are NOT accepting any new applications at this time.**
Serving Special Needs Individuals
Since 2002 Heavenly Hooves has served over 25,000 individuals. PATH certified instructors team up with specially trained horses to help foster a sense of accomplishment in each student. Lessons are conducted in a safe and supportive environment where students learn to groom, care for, and ride their horse. We strive to instill confidence, excitement, and most importantly, a feeling of inclusion for all our students.
PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center
Our teaching methods, safety standards, and rigorous instructor training are strictly guided by the principles of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) McCormick Research Institute holds the Premier Center Accreditation, meaning our administration, facilities, and programs have exceeded industry standards. All instruction is facilitated by a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. Our instructors are also certified Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning. Lessons are designed to be fun and interactive, while teaching horsemanship skills and instilling a sense of accomplishment in each student.
Physical Benefits of Therapeutic Riding
While fun is front and center at Heavenly Hooves, there are so many more benefits to the therapeutic riding that we do here. The equine gait rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner very similar to a human gait. Because of this, riders with physical disabilities show improvement in flexibility, muscle strength, and balance. Students also develop fine and gross motor skills through petting and grooming, increase tactile tolerance, and improve coordination and spatial awareness.
Cognitive, Emotional, and Social Benefits of Therapeutic Riding
Horses are good for the soul and they help us in ways that go so far beyond the physical benefits of therapeutic riding. Horses build self-esteem in riders and encourage cooperation. They also foster communication and increase expressive language skills through speech, sounds, and/or gestures. Horses help us to teach emotional control, patience, and self-discipline. Finally, through time with their horses in a lesson setting our riders cultivate friendships, build social skills, and develop respect for nature, animals, and other people.
Competitive Riding for Individuals with Disabilities
Competitive riding for individuals with disabilities is an advanced facet of therapeutic riding. Once students have participated in a riding session, they are encouraged to participate in horse shows, as well as the Equestrian Special Olympics. Both the County- and Area-level competitions are held at McCormick, followed by State competition in Weirsdale. We look forward to having you on the team!